Bolton fans have chance to help shape Big Sam: The Musical

Plans for a brand-new theatre show inspired by the legendary Whites boss are in their early days, with hopes to bring it to life on the stage in 2028.

Backed by the club, The Octagon and the Arts Council, Allardici’s: The Big Sam Musical is the brainchild of lifelong supporter Jamie Walsh and will be assembled with the help of his company Small Talk Productions.

And the writer is now looking for input from fellow Bolton fans as he looks to shape the development of the musical over the summer.

He told The Bolton News: “Big Sam somehow became a punchline, labelled a long-ball manager with an old school team. But obviously that was never true!

“I’ve been a Wanderers fan my whole life, and those years under Big Sam were extraordinary: electric football, world-class players, and a feeling that anything was possible. I want to celebrate all of that.

“Allardici’s combines my two great passions – creativity and Bolton Wanderers – and I’d   love as many fans as possible to help shape it from day one.

“Your memories, your voices, your stories. Come and be part of it.”

Allardici’s is a surreal comedy musical about football, fame and what happens when you defy expectations.

Set in a fictional Costa Blanca lounge bar owned by Sam Allardyce, Big Sam now holds a nightly residency. Backed by a house band of former players, he tells his story.

What follows is a cartoonish fever dream of footballing faces, press stings and Premier League legends.

The first phase of development will begin with a series of workshops held at the Community and Wellbeing Hub at the Toughsheet Stadium on Tuesday, June 23 (2pm to 3.30pm and 6pm to 7.30pm) and Tuesday, June 30 (2pm to 3.30pm and 6pm to 7.30pm). Sessions will finish before England’s scheduled World Cup fixtures and are limited to 30 people.

These sessions will give fans the chance to share memories, stories and perspectives from the Big Sam era, helping shape the development of the musical from the ground up.

The workshops will explore the Premier League days under Allardyce, the iconic players and figures of the day and how the period has been remembered by supporters. Contributions will directly inform the script, music and visual feel of the show.

Fans can also take part remotely via an online form, sharing stories, photos, videos and memories if they’re unable to attend in person.

More information on how to book a place on the workshop can be found on the Facebook page, facebook.com/smalltalkprods on Twitter/X on @smalltalkprods and Instagram @smalltalkprods.