A ONE-MAN show about the life and times of the cricketer Colin Milburn will be performed in Dorchester.

The High Sheriff of Dorset and Dorset County Cricket Club are combining to sponsor a second performance of When The Eye Has Gone at the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester at 7.30pm on Monday March 20.

All proceeds from the performance will be divided between the mental health charity MIND and the Dorset Shrievalty Charitable Trust.

“When the Eye Has Gone” was written by Dougie Blaxland, and is presented by Roughhouse Theatre, directed by Shane Morgan and performed by Dan Gaisford.

Dan has worked extensively in TV, film and theatre and his recent credits include Clybourne Park (Mercury Theatre Colchester), Kidnapped (Brassworks Theatre) and Henry Walker and the Wheel of Death (Roughhouse Theatre).

In the play, the cricketer Colin Milburn of Northants 1960-1974 and England (9 Tests) reflects on his life at the top of the game and his decline into alcoholism and depression thereafter. The title refers to the consequences of a car accident in 1969 from which he recovered to play again, but never at his former level.

Full of anecdotes, a thumping soundtrack and a large gin and coke, the story swings backwards and forwards through Milburn’s life as he raises a glass to the triumphs, including his first Test Century against the West Indies at Lords in 1966 and the disasters, like losing his left eye.

Milburn, who died of a heart attack in 1990, was not the first – and will certainly not be the last – cricketer (or sportsman in any discipline) to feel a loss of purpose once his playing days are over. Most games lovers will be able to think of someone who has gone through, or is going through, the same. The play is a powerful yet entertaining account of the highs and lows of a sportsman’s life, and should appeal especially to players past and present in any game, but is of general interest too.

The performance lasts just over an hour, and there is no interval. Refreshments will be available after the show.

Epic Print of Dorchester is helping with the cost of the performance and Palmers Brewery of Bridport is helping with the refreshments.

*When the Eye Has Gone at the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester on Monday March 20 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 and are available by application to mikewilliams969@hotmail.com or by phoning Mike Williams on 01305 756593.