The Invincibles

During World War 1, with the men away fighting, women are working long hours in the factories with the uncertainty of ever seeing their loved ones again. The play is set mainly in 1917 and is about the ladies who worked for Sterling Armaments in Dagenham. To raise money for injured soldiers, they decided to form a women’s football team, and against many objections they demonstrated that they were more than capable and strong enough to play. With the support and training from the factory manager, Mr Chollerton (Cholly), they became known as The Dagenham Invincibles and were so successful they won all their games. At the end of the war, the women stopped playing; they hung up their boots and triumphs and disappeared into obscurity. Little did they know that in the 21st century women would be taking part in World Cup tournaments.

This powerful story shifts between 1917 and 2023 and tells the history of women’s football.  Joe Gascoyne-Thompson's inspirational direction and creative team have excelled with back-projection, filming and sound effects. All were interlaced with songs from the period, and voice-overs relating to football matches to engage the audience. A minimalist set used a "bench" to represent various scenes, from a football stadium to a living room sofa.  

As the story evolves, we are in 2023 and see Maya, an aspiring and injured footballer, watching a live game of women’s football. This is all relayed through Maya’s dialogue and body language, and then, within the blink of an eye, we are taken back in time to 1917. It leads us to the start of the determination of a few women to play a game of football. The plot draws a comparison between Maya's life and that of a character named Nell from 1917.  As the story progresses, it transpires that there is a similarity between Maya and Nell. Although Nell’s life is cut short due to ill health, we know that Maya will become successful.

Lydia North excelled in her roles as Maya, and as Nell, one of the Dagenham Invincibles from 1917. Her portrayal of these two distinct characters, with different accents and body language, was outstanding. Siobhan Hible’s performances as both Sammy (Maya’s mother) and Hannah, a mother from 1917, were superb. The scenes set in 2023, where they watched the Women’s World Cup, were brilliant and made the audience feel like they were part of the game.   

Making up the Dagenham Invincibles lades football team were Ada (Charlie Gascoyne-Thompson), Gladys (Rhiannon Smith-Jones), Trixie (Megan Roberts) and Maud (Kirsty Krawczyk). They were all outstanding in their roles, with their unique personalities, accents and mannerisms to match their characters. These actors playing the Dagenham Invincibles were clearly football-trained and fit, managing quick stage exits and outfit changes depending on whether they were at work, training, or enjoying a night out.  

Several actors took on dual roles and not only did that require different characterisation, but also a change of outfit, all of which was carried out perfectly. Tommy Jones gave an excellent performance as James who was anxious about his son in the trenches and, at times, is also angry with his family. Cholly, well played by Josh Cooper, trained and encouraged the girls in the build-up to the matches. Great characterisation.

Mr Burney, the boss of Sterling Armaments, was performed perfectly by John Jex, with precision and the correct accent to suit the character. Justin Harrison gave a very good performance as the World War 1 soldier writing home to his family and as Mr Braden, the 1917 football commentator.

The cast of ten actors all gave 100% and were perfect in their roles, with mannerisms, accents and outfits to suit the period. The actors, supported by a first-class creative team and hours of rehearsals and hard work, all made for a successful production. The final surprise was the wonderful singing from all the members of the cast - a great way to end the production.

Thank you for your warm welcome and a brilliant night at the theatre           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Sue Cox 

NODA N.E. Drama Rep

Region 14

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