The Invincibles
Commissioned by Queens Theatre Hornchurch & New Wolsey Ipswich (2023)
Published by Nick Hern Books
Nine actors in multi-roles (7f/2m) or up to 15 actors.
In 2023, injured Academy footballer Maya follows England’s progress through the Women’s World Cup. The roar of the Lionesses echoes a war cry from 1917. In her Essex hometown, factory workers Sterling Ladies play for two whirlwind seasons and never lose a match. Known as the Dagenham Invincibles, they will lead the extraordinary movement of female footballers through World War One. As Maya fears she’ll never play again, the Invincibles face their triumph fading into obscurity when the war ends. The call of the past brings hope for the future and as the eras combine, The Invincibles celebrates the rich history of women in football.
Cast: 7f/2m, multi-roling
Facts & Figures
Queens Theatre Hornchurch commissioned a WW1 women’s football story for the local community. By chance, Hornchurch was home to Sterling Ladies, the most successful women’s football team of the era.
In two seasons, Sterling played 36, won 34 and drew twice. With a record unmatched, they were known as The Dagenham Invincibles.
The show’s Historical Consultant Steve Bolton discovered this forgotten team and its unique record. https://www.playingpasts.co.uk/author/sbolton/
Maya and Sammy’s 2023 scenes were written through rehearsals as the 2023 Women’s World Cup played out.
Creative team on The Invincibles: Director James Grieve, Designer Laura Ann Price, Lighting Designer Martha Godfrey, Sound Design Holly Khan, Movement Director Lucie Pankhurst.
Reviews
The Invincibles
“Packed with light and shade … the beauty of Whittington’s play is that it allows the human stories to flourish behind the football history lesson. Love blossoms tentatively between players, friendships are forged and death is very much a part of life … Football then, as today, is an act of spiritual, as much as physical, emancipation.”
“Heartwarming and skilful... a touching story of sporting brilliance against the odds... eye opening and exciting”
“Entertaining and informative, with lots of heart”
