A 1967 'football opera' where the working class roars like a Greek chorus.
Zigger Zagger is a 1967 play by Peter Terson which was the first work to be commissioned by the National Youth Theatre who revived it at Wilton's Music Hall in 2017 for its 50th anniversary. Described as a "football opera" in which the cast sing and chant like a Greek chorus, the play was an instant success. The production was directed by Michael Croft while the Musical Director was Colin Farrell. Adopted later by non-league giant killers, Altrincham FC.
Acting
National Youth Theatre kids with terrifying conviction.
Direction
Croft's Greek chorus staging on actual terraces.
Sound
The chants are the score; no orchestra needed.
Director
Michael Croft
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Altrincham FC still uses 'Zigger Zagger' as a terrace anthem — a 1967 play living in non-league football chants.
Peter Terson wrote it after watching Manchester United fans; the 'opera' label annoyed him — he wanted 'play with songs'.
US
