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★★★★
2025 is the perfect year for Kate Coulson and Made You Look Productions to head to the Edinburgh Fringe with comedy-drama ‘Lioness’, hot off the heels of England’s victory at the UEFA European Women’s Championship. Given its topical subject matter, the show was very much on my radar in the lead up to Fringe and I remember thinking that it had the potential to draw audiences’ attention to the need for change in the sport. After watching the show live, I have even more appreciation for female footballers, who like the central character of Marnie, are breaking through barriers on a daily basis.
Sports education through theatre
Marnie, the goalkeeper for the London City Lionesses, is clearly very aware of the inequalities between the men’s and women’s games, and even though football is her passion, she understands the need to work as a secondary school coach during the day. Between her goalkeeper position and coaching role, internet trolling and everyday sexism are unfortunately part of the norm. Through Kate’s many characters and Marnie’s journey with the London team, audiences will learn a thing or two about the evolution of the sport and also the bonds on and off the pitch that hold these teams together.
Visual design
The Greenside venue is a really small performance space, but it has been completely transformed into a football haven, with a goal and eye-catching green lighting effects to match. Visually the staging is incredibly cool, and it is supported by some really appropriate music choices. Made You Look Productions have carefully thought about how to stage this show for Fringe, and it really stands out.
That being said, at only 45 minutes in length, Kate squeezes years of history and injustice into Marnie’s story and in choosing to change costumes between scenes, it affects the continuity of the piece in some places. I don’t think it would be anywhere near as noticeable in a bigger space and has limited impact on the overall piece, but I’d like to have seen the material utilise every moment of the running time for telling Marnie’s story. The character is representative of every female footballer out there who is juggling multiple jobs, maintaining friendships and dealing with inequalities in their sport, all whilst pursuing their passion for the game.
An inspiring football story at the Fringe
There is something so powerful about the writing, that I was emotionally invested from Marnie’s first words. Kate has created a really strong piece of theatre that will absolutely inspire others to reflect on the realities of the women’s game, but also make them laugh at Marnie’s comebacks. You can catch ‘Lioness’ at the Clover Studio venue at Greenside @ Riddles Court from 1st to 23rd August (not 10th and 17th). Performances start daily at 12:40, with tickets available via the festival’s website.
*My ticket for ‘Lioness’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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