The Ladies Football Club
Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

THE first world war saw the entry of massive numbers of women into factories producing munitions, in the absence of men fighting on the front line. Disproving the myth that these were roles only suitable for men, they performed exactly the same jobs but without receiving male rates of pay.

Set in Sheffield, this world premier follows the lives of 11 diverse factory workers, who get together during their lunch breaks to kick a football around for light relief. They soon find that, in addition to their manual factory skills, they aren’t that bad at football either. They bond as a team and end up playing to crowds of over 50,000, though not without tensions and unjust defeats.

Meanwhile the tragedy of war casts its omnipresent shadow over the game, which is prescient in the light of today’s political turmoil, war-mongering, and global capitalist crisis.

Blissfully unaware of the impending final whistle that is to be blown on their game, these “munitionettes” suffer the same fate as that of women in traditional male roles in the workplace once the war is over. In both cases they were pioneers, inspiring those who followed in their footsteps, while the struggle for women’s liberation continues.

The story is as much about movement as it is about the words as the players simulate football moves in a creative series of dramatic and intricately choreographed set pieces. This only adds excitement to the sense of drama as this inspirational account of the power of friendship and community moves towards its tragic denouement.

Written by Stefano Massini (The Lehman Trilogy) and adapted by Tim Firth (Calendar Girls) the cast is as diverse as its characters.

Cara Theobold hits the back of the net with her passionate portrayal of Violet, while Leah Brotherhead as Hayley, the fiery socialist, injects a good dose of humour into her political take on football as “the apotheosis of capitalism.” Anne Odeke also plays a down to Earth Justine with a brilliant gift for comedy.

On the whole the hilarious banter within the group is fast-moving and non-stop as each member of the cast throws themselves into their parts, so that it is essentially a collective triumph. They all deserve the rapturous standing ovation they received at the end.

In addition to this highly entertaining yet bittersweet play, Sheffield Theatres has arranged a programme of activities throughout the run, ranging from a casual kick about to artistic sessions and listening forums. Called “Extra Time” it provides further opportunities for local communities to come together and learn about the incredible women who inspired the play, and their successors who have shared their dream and contributed to the meteoric rise of women’s football today.

Taken together there can be no finer tribute.

Runs at the Crucible Theatre until March 28. Box Office: (0114) 249 6000, sheffieldtheatres.co.uk