★★★★
Written and performed by Kate Coulson, Lioness throws us into the world of woman’s football, showing us that despite the game being in the spotlight, there is still a long way to go until the woman’s game is seen as equal to the men’s. We are the youth football team and Marnie is our coach, starting off the season with a brief history of her own career, and the game itself. It’s really interesting to see how women have been discriminated against in the football world.
Her shutdowns of smug teenage boys who saunter into her sessions acting like they are above her coaching are extremely satisfying. When one of them says that the goalkeeper is the easiest position to play, she gives him a list of reasons why that’s not the case: they need strength to throw the ball away, quick reflexes to save goals, and mental focus to concentrate throughout the duration of the game. Whether they listen or not is debatable, but it does give us a handy comeback to use on judgy people we might meet!
A large goal takes up most the stage, illuminated in green. Upon entering, it looks cool and serves as a metaphor for how much football takes up her whole life, but it does limit the space somewhat as the show goes on. Coulson changes at the side of the stage to mark the difference between being on the pitch or out at a club with her team. With nothing to watch, these scenes drag on and make the show seem slightly stilted.
There were a few mistakes that seemed to throw Coulson off track and she appeared frustrated for a split second, which does bring you out of the performance slightly. She recovered quickly, however, and grew in confidence throughout the second half.
Lewis, a footballer and also Marnie’s boyfriend, gets offered a contract to play for Manchester City, which he gratefully accepts on one condition: they give Marnie a contract too. It’s a no-brainer for her: she won’t give up a team where she plays every week for one where she’ll more than likely be at least the third reserve goalkeeper. The penny drops that he’ll never see their careers as equal and she deserves much better. It’s one of the more powerful moments of the show.
Coulson finishes the show with a rallying cry for women to take control of women’s football. Every girl who kicks a ball is a Lioness, considering the fight and determination it has taken to get to the point we are at today. It’s not just a play about football; it’s a call for women to take back power and stand up for themselves.
Lioness will be performed at Greenside Riddle’s Court – Clover Studio until 23 August (not 17) as part of Edinburgh Fringe.
Words by Ellen Leslie
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