Writer: Becky Deeks
Director: Lucy Wild
story that captures every celebration and heartbreak premieres this week.Written by Becky Deeks, Good for a Girl takes us inside the dressing room of Queensgate Football Club, a lower league team within the women’s pyramid, which is on a mission to make history in the famous FA Cup. Fighting their way through the competition to earn the chance to play the elite might seem like enough of a challenge, but the personal struggles faced by the team are exposed for all to see in this contemporary and relatable play. Away from the luxuries of men’s football, the play explores the hidden and often overlooked difficulties faced by women who just want to play the sport they love with the same treatment and opportunities.
As team captain, Kim does her best to unite the squad while fighting fires in the background. Elizabeth Hope does an excellent job in this role with her character “great at giving pep talks”, who has a vulnerability herself that we can connect with. This vulnerability stems from her relationship with teammate Liv (Molly Walker) whose season is turned upside down following an injury. While we may appreciate the seriousness of such a setback, the play highlights the knock-on effect with Kim and Liv’s relationship and their whole livelihood. There is a scene towards the end between the two which is powerful as the impact on their lives is laid bare.
The first act sets out the context for the team’s football journey but it is after the interval where the hard-hitting themes come to life and the strength of the play emerges. Courtney (Gina Jamieson) is a significant part of this with the darkest of themes being central to her character’s struggles. Jamieson presents this raw emotion well as we empathise over her dilemma on whether or not to tell her teammates what has happened.
Gabi (Saskia Davis) and Naomi (April Nerissa Hudson) are also key to both the team and the play. Gabi faces her own family issues and Naomi has the tough task of settling in. The decision to focus on five of the team means we can connect with their personal journeys on top of the wider football issues that are at play. Excellent movement and transition sequences also help to bring physicality and pace to the overall story, which is complemented by atmospheric lighting and sound at key moments.
Good for a Girl could have solely focused on whether or not Queensgate FC makes it to the promised land. While this is still central to the story, it is its powerful exploration of issues within women’s football that makes this play what it is. Deeks’ writing is likely to make you cheerful and angry in equal measure. The community spirit and togetherness as the team marches on is balanced out with unified frustration at playing on sub-standard pitches and the need to beg the painfully ignorant Terry to even turn the heating and floodlights on.
Lovers of the sport will enjoy this play as it delves into a relatable world, but it will also be of interest to those less familiar with women’s football and the resilience needed to succeed.
Runs until 22 February 2025 and on tour
