★★★★★
— The Edinburgh Reporter
★★★★
— The Times
“Pick of the Fringe”
— Ian Rankin
Spurs and Scotland star John White was one of the best footballers of the 1960s. However, in July 1964, he was struck by lightning and killed at just 27 years old. From humble beginnings outside Edinburgh to football fame and his tragic death, the play captures John’s cheeky humour and follows the journey of his son, Rob White, who was only five months old when his father died.
Based on the Sunday Times bestseller by Rob White and Julie Welch, the play was commissioned to mark 60 years since John White’s passing. This deeply personal and nostalgic story offers a fresh perspective on grief, growing up without a father, and male mental health.
The Ghost of White Hart Lane premiered at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in July 2024 — the first live play performed at the venue — before a month-long run at Underbelly, Edinburgh Fringe in 2024. Loved by audiences and critics alike during the run here at Jackson’s Lane (summer 2025). We are delighted to welcome back The Ghost of White Hart Lane, returning by popular demand to the Jackson’s Lane stage in January 2026.
After the show on Mon 26 Jan former Spurs captain and record appearance holder Steve Perryman will do a post-show Q&A.
Following the show on Tue 27 Jan there will be a post show discussion with Martin Murphy, Rob White and Julie Welch, Britain’s first female sports reporter and official biographer for Tottenham Hotspur.
Theatre Weekly
★★★★★
“The Ghost of White Hart Lane receives the title of Best Monologue for its poignant exploration of loss and resilience. Cal Newman’s performance brings to life the story of father and son footballers, weaving themes of grief, mental health, and familial relationships with authenticity and humour.”
The Edinburgh Reporter
★★★★★
“It is a celebration of a life and a chronicling of a journey to find identity and meaning… punctuated by an incredible energy… Whether you have a connection or not, you cannot help be moved.”
ThreeWeeks
★★★★
“Murphy’s script deftly handles the jumps in time and character as we see both men reflect on the things that shape all our lives… Cal Newman does an outstanding job handling a range of emotions. It’s a powerful drama, and its universality ensures it’s not only for football fans”
Shadows on the Wall
★★★★
“Newman goes full-out with this performance, bringing out the athleticism, humour and darker emotions that pull the audience in deeply”
Credits
Based on the Sunday Times Bestseller by Rob White and Julie Welch.
- Performer: Callum Lewis Newman
- Writer & Director : Martin Murphy
- Associate Director: Bronagh Lagan
- AV Design: Matt Powell