'It's a real fairytale story that had a tragic end'

You do not have to be a football fan to appreciate the Johnny Thomson story. His was a tale of the struggle of a real working class boy gifted with immense skill and the courage to use it in the days football was a gritty and brutal game.

It was a tale of great promise, incredible success and love. It had all the elements of a Hollywood movie, and as James Mackenzie, who played Thomson in the story of his life at the King's Theatre, last week said, 'It was a fairytale, until tragedy struck'.

The Celtic legend died aged just 22 in a freak accident during a match against arch rivals Rangers. As Thomson dived for the ball at the feet of Rangers' Sam English, the two collided, resulting in the injuries that would end the astonishing young goalkeeper's life. Thousands of Old Firm fans united to attend his funeral, no one more distraught than English who never fully recovered from the memory of September 5, 1931.

Thomson's story is often remembered for its untimely end – and that does him no justice. He achieved much in his short life, and The Prince: The Johnny Thomson Story – marking the 80th anniversary of his death – sets out to celebrate just that.

Actor Mackenzie gifted the legend somewhat reachable status with the generations he preceded. Perhaps it was his lack of football knowledge before being cast that granted him the freedom to play the role so well; he escaped the pressure that may have fallen on the shoulders of a young man who grew up knowing the story and its impact.

What he delivered was an image of a funny young lad with a great love of football and plans for a family he could provide a decent future for – something today's footballing stars can be guaranteed as soon as they put pen to paper.

The parts of Tim and Billy – Ewan Donald and Stevie Hannan – kept the mood light and celebratory. Plenty of Scottish football jokes kept the crowd delighted and, contributing in multiple roles, the duo were the glue that held the play together. Ryan Fletcher played a great supporting role alongside Mackenzie, taking on the character of friend and team-mate, Jimmy McGrory, and the vital part of English, whose story of course required attention as well.

And then there was Margaret. When Thomson died he was engaged to Margaret Finlay and the tender rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone to mark the 22-year-old's death was performed beautifully by Amiera Darwish, leaving not a single dry eye in the house. Throw in some short videos projected on stage of Parkhead greats past and present and music all the audience could sing along to and the result was a fitting tribute to an outstanding young man.

"He was one of the most accomplished players of his generation. He was a legend while he was alive and he deserved that status," said Mackenzie.

Gerard McDade, who co-wrote the play with Brian McGeachan, hopes there may be scope to take the performance further than the King's Glasgow. "I don't know if there are any plans to tour. I like to think that there would be but it depends on a number of factors. The cast is excellent and the production has been fantastic. It's been a real thrill to be involved."

And what does James, who knew little of the Thomson story when he took on the role, make of the experience? "The response has been absolutely fantastic,” he said.

“The audience has been incredibly supportive and appreciative, it's bowled us over. We knew of his status at Celtic but the reaction from the fans has been a real eye opener."