GOALS will be scored as a theatre company presents its football frenzy show this summer.
Mikron Theatre Company is kicking off at two Reading-area venues to perform Amanda Whittington’s Atalanta Forever.
It’s 1920, post-war Britain, and across the country all-girl teams are pulling in huge crowds holding fundraising games for wounded soldiers.
Based on a true story, Huddersfield amateurs Ethel and Annie, teammates at Atalanta AFC, take a shot at the big time and tackle new football skills.
Come and cheer for Atalanta as the plucky underdogs learn how to play the game, take on the legendary teams of the era – and find the toughest opponent of all is the FA.
“I was an 11-year old footballer in the 1980s, the only girl who played in the boy’s village tournament and I vividly remember being advised to stop because it wasn’t appropriate,” said playwright Amanda Whittington.
“I still feel the injustice, and the sense of shame for wanting to do something I wasn’t meant to and it brings joy to my heart to see football’s now the biggest team sport for girls in Britain.
She said: “I wanted to write about the battle the women’s game has fought to survive and prosper and perhaps to tell the 11-year-old me she was right?”
Artistic director Marianne McNamara added: “Women’s football is making a comeback and not before time.
“We are thrilled to pay homage to the trailblazing Huddersfield women that paved the way against all odds.”
A performance at The Rowbarge, on Station Road, Woolhampton, will take place on Tuesday, July 27 at 7.30pm.
Mikron Theatre will then make its way to Caversham Court, on Church Road in Caversham, for another performance on Sunday, August 1 at 5pm.
Atalanta Forever will be touring nationally in the summer alongside Poppy Hollman’s new play
A Dog’s Tale, celebrating canines past and present and explores the enduring love between people and their dogs.
For more details, or to book tickets, log on to mikron.org.uk
