Stevie Ward takes on acting role during lockdown

Leeds Rhinos captain Stevie Ward has turned his hand to acting while rugby league is suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 26-year-old stars in a new radio play produced by the Leeds-based Red Ladder Theatre Company, entitled ‘Connected’.

‘Connected’ follows Ward’s character Danny, an electrician, and Paul, played by Paul Fox – two friends who, for the past three years, have met up every Wednesday for a pint after work.

However, in the midst of lockdown, the pair are no longer able to continue their tradition and are instead consigned to accepting the reality they find themselves in.

The play has been created in association with Ward’s Mantality brand, and will initially be available via the Mantality podcast channels.

Ward joins the likes of Rhinos legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan in joining up with Red Ladder, after JJB performed in two plays for the company – Leeds Lads and Playing The Joker, the latter of which focused on the life of iconic rugby league commentator Eddie Waring.

In a post on Instagram, Ward said: “I caught the bug for acting not so long ago doing some live theatre.

“Considering the circumstances, Red Ladder Theatre Company are producing a very relevant radio play, with me playing Danny, a 26-year-old sparky.

“Paul and Danny are connected, and so are all of us.”

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I caught the bug for acting not so long ago doing some live theatre. Considering the circumstances, @redladdertheatrecompany are producing a very relevant radio play with me playing Danny, a 26 year old sparky ?? Paul and Danny meet every Wednesday for a pint after work. It has been a tradition for three years, and 2020 is no different. But 2020 is different. And as the weeks continue the reality of this new world dawns upon them both and we see how they react as the world starts to fall into chaos all around them… Paul and Danny are connected, and so are all of us. Connected was written by Chris O’Connor and Paul Fox, performed by Stevie Ward and Paul Fox, directed by Rod Dixon, with sound by @domsmith and is produced by @redladdertheatrecompany in association with @Mantality. Music was composed and performed by @clairemarieseddon3 with lyrics by Chirs O’Connor. We are hoping to go @bbc but for now you can listen through mantality podcast channels ?☑️

A post shared by Stevie Ward (@ste_ward) on May 4, 2020 at 10:00am PDT