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04
Aug
Harrogate squash champion takes one-man play to Edinburgh Fringe
A Harrogate squash player who was once world number one has swapped the court for a stage at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
James Willstrop, who held the world number one title in 2012, is starring in his own one-man show, 'Daddy, Tomorrow Will I Be a Man?', at the esteemed arts festival throughout August.
The 41-year-old has been crowned British national champion four times and won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 2022.
But squash is not Mr Willstrop’s only passion, as his love of writing and performing is now under the spotlight.
‘Daddy, Tomorrow Will I Be a Man?’, which debuted at Edinburgh Fringe on August 1, tells the story of Mr Willstrop’s own search for the real meaning of success.
An international squash player chasing a world champion title, Mr Willstrop finds himself at a crossroads when his partner, Vanessa Atkinson – also a former world number one squash player – longs for a child.
Mr Willstrop draws on memories of his late mother and his own life as he tries to decide whether dedication to his lifelong dream or becoming a father matters most.
James Willstrop and one his sons.
With the help of York-based musical director, Sam Johnson, the show is described as a musical ode to mothers, sporting ambition and fatherhood.
Performances of ‘Daddy, Tomorrow Will I Be a Man?’ will held at The Space at Niddry Street until August 9, and from August 18 to 23.
The 50-minute show will start at 7.25pm.
Earlier performances at 5.25pm will be held at the same venue from August 11 to 16.
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