The Hexagon in Reading will once again be the home of snooker as the 1985 Black Ball final is celebrated by the stars who competed for glory.
One of the most memorable moments in snooker history, it was the moment when the nation stayed up late as Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor battled it out to be the World Snooker Champion.
In all, 18.5 million people were glued to the box to see Dennis Taylor pot the final black ball in the final frame – yes, the match went all the way to the very end – to seal the title by 18 frames to 17.
Steve Davis had been the defending champion when he arrived at The Crucible in Sheffield for the start of the tournament, but he left as the runner-up following a final frame that lasted more than an hour.
Davis was leading 62-44 with just four balls left to play – brown, blue, pink and black – and 22 points on the table.
Taylor managed to pot the first three of those balls and the two men then tussled to become the one to get the black in the pocket and seal the title, complete with its £60,000 prize pot.
At 12.23am Taylor won, raising his cue stick in triumph before wagging his finger and kissing the trophy.
The legend of the Black Ball Final was born.
What will happen at The Hexagon’s Black Ball Final celebration event?
Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor are to be joined by host and referee John Virgo for the recreation of that final frame.
Virgo, famous for his stint as referee on the BBC quiz show Big Break, was a professional player himself, but also had a sideline in hilarious impressions of his contemporaries, often livening up many a session at The Crucible.
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He is also a trick shot specialist, potting as many balls as he can in a variety of amusing and baffling ways, some of which will be shown on the night.
And people will be able to ask questions to the stars as part of the evening, giving audiences the chance to get answers to those burning posers.
Is there a way of meeting Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor and John Virgo?
Yes.
A limited number of VIP tickets will be available.
These cost £72.50.
For this, people can meet the two snooker legends, and have the opportunity to receive signed items.
How much are tickets to the Black Ball Final celebration and when is it taking place?
The Black Ball 40th Anniversary Tour is coming to The Hexagon theatre in Reading on Tuesday, January 28.
It starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are now on sale.
They cost £40 for standard seats, or £72.50.
To reserve them, call the Reading Arts box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/black-ball-40th-anniversary-tour
More sporting legends coming to The Hexagon
On Tuesday, May 6, again from 7.30pm, another pair of sporting legends will be coming to Reading.
An Audience with Aggers and Tuffers sees Jonathan Agnew team up with Phil Tufnell for an evening of cricket related fun.
With a collective career of more than five decades, Aggers and Tuffers have remained connected to the sporting world as commentators, media personalities, and even participants of some of the nation’s favourite TV shows.
The show is suitable for cricket fans, and those looking for a fun evening out.
Tickets for this cost £36.50. To reserve them, call the Reading Arts box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/audience-aggers-and-tuffers
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