The Ladies Football Club (World Premiere) At The Crucible Theatre Sheffield Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Latesha Brown

The Ladies Football Club kicked onto the stage on 28th February for its world premiere at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre. It is a 90-minute production split, fittingly, into two 45-minute halves like a true football match. Directed by Sheffield Theatres’ artistic director Elizabeth Newman, with movement by Scott Graham of Frantic Assembly, the play is written by Stefano Massini and adapted for the stage by Tim Firth. It has already been listed by The Times as one of the ‘Best Shows to See’ in 2026, and it was easy to see why. Massini was inspired to write the piece during the pandemic after a woman was murdered near his home. Wanting to explore the ongoing struggles women face, he chose football as the vehicle- a sport often framed as male territory. The result is something that feels both historical and surprisingly current at the same time.

Set in Sheffield during the First World War, the story follows 11 women working in munitions factories- who were known in real life as the “munitionettes” of 1917- making bombs and bullets whilst the men are sent to the front line. During their lunch breaks they begin kicking a ball around, initially just as a bit of light relief, but quickly it becomes something much bigger, starting as a small act of escapism growing into a fierce sense of solidarity, identity and a shared purpose. Their journey follows the ups and downs of forming a team, dealing with resistance from society and eventually playing in front of crowds of tens of thousands. But the story also reminds us that women’s football was heartbreakingly banned in England from 1921 until 1971, adding a real emotional weight to what we are watching unfold.

What makes this production land so well is that it feels like a genuine feminist celebration, but not in a glossy or overly preachy way. It is grounded, sweaty and quite defiant. From the moment the women lace up their boots there’s a clear undercurrent of rebellion and the underlying message of claiming space in a world that keeps insisting you do not belong there. The writing balances humour with frustration really well. There are plenty of sharp, hilarious exchanges, but often followed by reminders of the limitations these women were facing. Their ambition is about wanting more from life as well as sport and we see the women gain more and more independence and more control over their own futures. During the show, every goal feels symbolic, and every cheer from the crowd feels like another crack in the system.

Visually, the staging reinforces that feeling and the pitch becomes more than just part of the set and feels like territory being reclaimed. The physicality of the movement adds to that too. It never felt overly choreographed or stylised, it just felt real. At times it genuinely felt like watching the team out on the pitch rather than actors on a stage which was brilliant. From where I was sitting the view was great, and the stage and lighting were used really well to create an immersive experience. The movement really captured the energy of the game, and for me, one of the most effective parts was how clearly you could see the emotional journey of the characters as they grow closer together. I was completely engaged throughout and almost wanted it to be a little longer, which isn’t something I say often for a 90-minute show.

The cast includes Jessica Baglow as Rosalyn, Leah Brotherhead as Hayley, Lesley Hart as Berenice, Bettrys Jones as Olivia, Ellie Leach as Brianna, Clair Norris as Melanie, Anne Odeke as Justine, Krupa Pattani as Cheryl, Cara Theobold as Violet, Chanel Waddock as Penelope and Charley Webb as Abigail, with Joy Adeogun and Jamie Randall appearing as swings. Standout performances amongst the cast were Leah Brotherhead as the politically aware Hayley and Anne Odeke as the witty and charismatic Justine. Both had brilliant comedic timing and delivered cracking one-liners that really landed with the audience. That said, all the cast gave strong performances and the chemistry between them was amazing, essential for a story built around teamwork. The atmosphere in the audience was great. Everyone was laughing, clapping and even cheering at points, which added to the sense that the whole room was rooting for the team. The energy felt really uplifting and in good spirits and emphasized the show’s central message about the power of women sticking together. The Ladies Football Club does not just celebrate the past; it also reminds us how hard-fought progress can be. It is ultimately bold and timely, and a fitting tribute to the women who dared to take up space, both on and off the pitch.

Rating: 4/5

The Ladies Football Club is on at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield from 28 February to 28 March 2026. Tickets are great value from £15.

For more information or to book tickets at the Lyceum Theatre Sheffield, visit:
or call the Box Office on: 0114 249 6000

https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/the-ladies-football-club?gad_source=1&gad