SOUTHEND United has created more drama than most soap operas in recent seasons.

So it probably is not too much of a surprise that the trials and tribulations of the Shrimpers has been turned into a play by the BA Acting and Community Theatre students at East 15.

Having spoken with two of the cast during their research for the production I was intrigued how everything that had happened at Roots Hall could be translated onto a stage.

Well, the answer was absolutely brilliantly.

Perhaps it is because the subject matter is so close to my heart but I have genuinely never seen a show which has made me feel so many different emotions.

I laughed, got goose bumps, felt proud and also unexpectedly quite emotional watching the scenes which brought back all kinds of memories.

I think in the midst on the ongoing drama there was not really time for any kind of reflection.

It was very much crawling along from one crisis to the next, often consuming the events unfolding all day every day.

It was impossible to take a step back and review what was happening but this play does it perfectly.

Without giving too much away, the story is told through the eyes of those who were right at the heart of what was going on as Blues battled to survive.

There are supporters, the mascot, YouTuber, photographer, MP and also someone playing me which is slightly surreal.

All together the characters have their say in a style which is almost like a documentary.

It encapsulates everything everyone connected with the club felt during the darkest time of the Shrimpers’ long history and I genuinely loved it.

I was not alone in feeling that way either.

Many fellow Blues fans expressed similar views to me after the show with most also admitting they found it quite emotional.

The name of the show ‘Death of Chairman’ perhaps creates a rather sinister view which is not replicated in the show as both sides of the argument are put across.

But everyone involved deserves huge praise.

Take a bow Diarmaid Glack, Emmanuela Edem, Erin Humphrey, Jonny Mills, Jennifer Jones, Phillipa Hepworth, Jodie Waller, Darcy Hall, Katherine Castelucci, Devontae Chen, Michelle Matzourek and Ero Iouannou.

It was 10/10 from me.

However, I do have one big complaint – the show is not on long enough.

It can be watched again on Friday night and twice on Saturday with tickets still available here.

But I really do hope it can soon be staged for a longer period as this is a show all Shrimpers should definitely want to see.