Drama about the world of women’s football to premier at Rep theatre

The cast and tour dates have been announced for a new drama celebrating and exposing the real-life experiences of women in football, set to premier at the Birmingham Rep.

The newly announced cast is set to premiere this groundbreaking piece inspired by real life stories of the female footballing world, at The Rep from Wednesday 19 February – Saturday 22 February, before going on a tour across the Midlands to Malvern Theatre, Derby Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre and concluding at Attenborough Arts Centre.

The cast comprises of Saskia Davis, who is making her professional stage debut as Gabi, April Nerissa Hudson as Naomi and Molly Walker as Liv.

Completing the cast is former England Youth player, now professional actor Elizabeth Hope playing Kim and Gina Jamieson as Courtney, who are both returning to Good for a Girl after originally taking part in the 2-weeks of R&D performances in 2022.

Writer and Associate Director, Becky Deeks, is currently the Head of Young Rep, Birmingham Rep’s youth theatre company for young people aged between 3 – 26.

Working alongside Becky, is director and movement director, Lucy Wild (founder of Fractured Glass and co-founder of Overdrive Dance Company); set designer Laura O’Connell (Head of Scenic Art at Birmingham Rep); costume designer and textile artist, Ocean Farini (Rings of Power, Amazon); lighting designer Jessie Addinall (The Borrowers, Hull Truck); sound designer Clive Meldrum (Bright Places, Birmingham Rep), producer Hope Ward-Brown and production manager Elliot Mitchell.

Writer and associate director Becky Deeks said: “Good for a Girl is a deeply personal story inspired by my experiences as a female footballer and some incredible people who have been part of the research process.

“Women’s football has come so far, even since I began writing the play in 2019!

“However, the inequalities explored in this play remind us how much more there is to do. I hope this production not only celebrates the incredible strength of female athletes but also inspires change both on and off the pitch.”

Alongside the tour, working with venues the production is also offering creative workshops for youth theatres, grassroots sports clubs and community groups.

These workshops range from devising theatre to writing and explore themes of the production including the young carer experience, gender inequality and mental health. These workshops celebrate women in sport and the depth of friendship that can be experienced through playing sport together. 

Good For a Girl is funded by Arts Council England will be premiere in The Rep’s most intimate performance space, The Door, before going on tour across the Midlands.