The Toe Poke ****

The Toe Poke describes an event that took place during a football match. But there’s more going on here.

The large screen at the back of the Committee Room shows footage of one of Scotland’s greatest moments. The World Cup in Spain in 1982 was the biggest one yet, with record television audiences. Part of that appeal was – and remains – Brazil, the tournament favourites, resplendent in their iconic yellow shirts. In Seville, Scotland are about to take them on.

After 18 minutes, there is an era-defining moment: defender David Narey unexpectedly pops up as centre forward and drives the ball into the top corner from outside the box. It’s an exceptional strike and the Scottish fans in the stadium and beyond are in raptures. Brazil go on to win the match, but Narey’s place in folklore is assured.

And so - at least in Scotland – is Jimmy Hill’s.

Jimmy Hill was a maverick personality in English football. A footballer, manager, chairman, television pundit, referee and trade union representative, he was credited with the introduction of three points for a win and the abolition of maximum wage, among other innovations.

Hill was co-commentating on the Scotland game and described Narey’s strike as a “toe poke". To further antagonise the nation, he described how Scotland had “snatched” the lead. His patronising tone ensured that he was rarely welcome north of the border thereafter.

It’s now 1998 and Scotland have once again been drawn to play against Brazil, this time in Paris. Archie Macpherson (Alasdair Ferguson), a famous Scottish television commentator, has met Hill (Graeme Dallas) for a coffee and co-incidentally Narey (James O’Neill), now retired, happens to sit at the next table.

What ensues is a three-way examination of Hill’s comments. Narey is still stung by the description, but this bleeds into a deeper frustration with perceived English arrogance. The historical Scottish enmity towards England begins to surface.

They do eventually part as friends, though.

It’s now 2026, and, the stars have once again aligned, for Scotland have - for the fifth occasion  – drawn Brazil. Hill by this time is deceased, but Macpherson and Narey decide to meet up in the same Parisien café to watch the game. Disappointment follows, something the tartan army are sadly accustomed to.

These meetings are imaginary, of course - it’s theatre.

The café scenes are adeptly punctuated by the owner, Marie (Netaniah Faison Osborne). Throughout his time as a television pundit, Hill sometimes failed to read the mood of the nation, Dallas convincingly portraying his pomposity and garrulousness. O’Neill’s prickly reaction to meeting his nemesis gives way to bonhomie, the transition being played well. Ferguson plays Macpherson skilfully as peacemaker.

At the heart of the production is the idea that Hill’s throwaway comment could come to define the career of a Scottish champion with vast international experience. But James Lowman’s The Toe Poke, runs deeper, diving into friendship and reconciliation.

All in all, it makes for a charming Fringe show.

Grand Lodge, 96 George St until 18^th August.