The Pass

Synopsis

A hotel room in Bulgaria, 2002. Two young footballers on the cusp of their careers find themselves at a pivotal moment that will shape their futures

Jason and Ade, both 17, are sharing a hotel room the night before a Champions League match that could make or break their careers. As the night unfolds, their easy banter and shared history give way to a moment of intimacy that will have far-reaching consequences. We follow Jason over the next decade as he achieves football stardom, but at great personal cost. His encounters with a lap dancer and a hotel employee reveal a man struggling with his identity and the choices he’s made. When Ade re-enters his life years later, Jason must confront the truth about his past and the person he’s become.

Donnelly’s play is a searing exploration of masculinity, sexuality, and the pressures of fame in the world of professional football. Through its three-act structure, spanning 12 years, the play examines how a single moment can alter the trajectory of a life. With sharp dialogue and complex characters, The Pass delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the cost of living a lie. The play’s unflinching look at homophobia in sport and the toll of keeping secrets makes for a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience.