‘Good For A Girl’ which opened last night at ‘The Door’ is a brand new play by the head of Young REP, Becky Deeks.
The plot concerns a fictional small time amateur women’s football team, Queensgate AFC and their against-all -odds journey to make their mark in the FA Cup. They not only have to struggle against other clubs but also their own management, who tolerate – rather than support – a women’s team.
Picture by Nicola Young. sThe all-female cast are not only all excellent actors but are believable as footballers with some pretty nifty footwork and ball skills on show. In fact, director Lucy Wild has produced what is at times a remarkable piece of physical theatre alongside a rabbit warren of personal back stories.
Kim, the hardworking captain of the team, is played with infectious determination by Elizabeth Hope. She emanates leadership across the whole team constantly dealing with problems and boosting morale. Her partner Liv – a bubbly Molly Walker – is also a team member, which requires delicate balancing in their home life.
Saskia Davis plays Gabi, the rising star of the team with a mercurial flit between flamboyance and suspicion. Gina Jamieson plays Courtney – a new mum who is literally keeping a lot of balls in the air. Naomi, a newcomer to the team, is played with careful footsteps to fit in by April Nerissa Hudson.
Picture by Nicola Young. sThe first 15 or so minutes had so much manic action going on as it flitted between training sessions and matches with lockers and benches constantly on the move – all played in high-pitched, excited voices that I found it difficult to pick up any threads or plot. It seemed in fact more of an improvisation than a production.
Mercifully it seemed the referee had blown a silent whistle – the pace slowed and the players became individuals. Apart from the obvious shared passion for the beautiful game, back stories started to emerge as we learnt of the bullying and misogynistic tactics of their coach Mark and disinterest of club manager Terry.
Coming back after the interval it was like they had had a good team talk and the show moved up several gears to a powerful piece of theatre, with characters to care about and a story which has gripping moments of passion, joy, sadness and intimacy. There is also some poetic narration from time to time which is beautifully crafted and provides welcome breathing spaces for both cast and audience.
Picture by Nicola Young. sIn the end for me it’s a late win for Deeks and Wild – just slow the team down and get the girls on target earlier in the game and ‘Good For A Girl’ will have legs as well as boots.
Picture by Nicola Young. sFull-time at the Birmingham REP for Good For A Girl (before it goes on tour) is not until March 8. Click here for times, tickets and more information.
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Review by Euan Rose
Euan Rose Reviews
