World snooker champion Dennis Taylor to re-enact 1985 final against Steve Davis at Stratford Play House
WORLD snooker champion Dennis Taylor admitted he did not realise he would be involved in a piece of the sport's illustrious history when he lifted the title in 1985.
The match against Steve Davis at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield gripped the nation and was watched by 18.5 million people, with the final frame lasting more than an hour and finishing at 12.23am.
At the time, Steve was leading 62-44 with the last four coloured balls to play. Dennis potted the brown, blue and pink, leaving just the black to clinch the coveted World Championship trophy.
After a nerve-wracking final few moments, Dennis emerged from the black ball final victorious, with his raised cue and finger-pointing celebration living long in the memory of all who witnessed that moment of history.
Thirty-seven years on, Dennis and Steve, along with John Virgo, will recreate that epic final frame when they visit Stratford Play House on Thursday, 10th November.
Speaking to the Herald, Dennis said: "These nights are a nice bit of nostalgia for everyone and it's great for people to have a chat with you about something that is still being spoken about 37 years later.
"Steve is brilliant about the whole thing. He's won six world titles but he always remembers the 1985 final more than the rest.
"We were involved in a piece of history and we did not realise at the time that it would be talked about for so many years on and that the final itself would be remembered for so long."
Dennis had not led in the final up until he potted that final black and he said that turnaround proved what can happen if you never give up and believe in yourself.
"I should have won title in 1979. I had beat Steve Davis and the great Ray Reardon en route to the final, where I lost out to Terry Griffiths. It was very disappointing especially after leading 15-13, so I had to wait another six years before I could lift the title," he said.
"Every player wants to be a champion when they turn professional and it's an exclusive member to be a part of. Nobody gave me a chance when I was 8-0 down but it shows that no matter what you do in life, if you never give up it's amazing what you can achieve."
Dennis is also fondly remembered for his "gimmicky" glasses but the 73-year-old Northern Irishman revealed they had been designed specifically for him.
"Jack Carnham worked as a commentator for the BBC but his family business when he was younger was making spectacles," he explained.
"I had those big, unusual glasses that everyone thought were a gimmick but they had be designed specifically for me by Jack and it was down to him that I won that title."
When Dennis, Steve and John come to town next month, a select few lucky attendees will get the chance to go on stage and have a go at some trick shots before the main event. Prior to then, there is a meet and greet where those with VIP tickets will get the chance to meet the trio, have a chat with them and have a photo.
The main event will see Dennis and Steve play a best-of-three match followed by a shoot-out frame where the last four coloured balls are set up and the duo will re-enact the 1985 final. Dennis and Steve will explain what was going through their minds at the time and it all ends, normally, with Dennis potting the final black.
"It's great I get to pot the black every time," said Dennis. "Occasionally Steve has accidentally potted the black but I'm glad he didn't do that all those years ago or we wouldn't be doing this show."
After the re-enactment of those last moments of the dramatic final, Dennis, Steve and John will do a Q&A session. In total, the show lasts around two hours.
"The shows are very successful and it's a good, fun-packed night for everyone to enjoy," said Dennis.
"Hopefully, if it goes well, we'll come back to Stratford again in the future and bring along Stephen Hendry along to play Steve Davis and I'll be the compere and do all the funny bits. Hopefully next month isn't the last time we're in Stratford."
So what advice does Dennis have for those who are new to the sport or thinking of taking up snooker?
"The game is bigger than any individual and I'm sure there will be someone that can replace the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan," he said
"My best advice is to just try and play as many competitions as you can and get the experience.
"You never know as an amateur. If you keep improving the dream of winning the world title is always there.
"There are plenty of chances now for amateurs to progress. You don't know what's ahead of you if you battle away and give it your best shot."
To book tickets visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/venueplan/RdiEJKhzXNnT.