‘Same Team – A Street Soccer Story’ (Traverse Theatre) | Review By Matthew Attwood

On the 12^th of December, the Traverse Theatre presents the world premiere of Same Team, A Street Soccer Story by Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse; a story created with the women of Dundee Change Centre. This electric play explores the emotional highs and lows of five woman from different walks of life on a journey to be the first Scottish team to win the Street Soccer Homeless World Cup. As soon as you enter the ‘Trav 1’ space, you are immediately immersed in the world of the play. The hopeful players are warming up in the space and we, the audience, are invited down to run a few drills before the start of the show. The audience are at the centre of the action and playing the role of the supportive home team crowd; cheering on the five women as they battle to the Homeless World Cup. Performances are ‘kicking off’ at the Traverse Theatre until the 23^rd of December.

The ensemble, comprised of five outstanding performances, built a genuine sense of camaraderie and community between the characters and us. The actors brilliantly multirole throughout creating laugh out loud moments but also commentary on the wider society and the themes of the play. The effect of this accurately portrays the challenging world these women have to navigate in their day-to-day lives on and off the pitch. Chloe-Ann Tylor as ‘Jo’ is beautifully grounded throughout and commands the space as she leads her team through the trials and tribulations of preparing for the Homeless World cup. Her playful and dynamic performance is captivating. Tylor’s ability to gradually lower the façade of ‘Captain’ enables the audience to connect to the character whilst her emotional vulnerability depicts an honest portrayal of a battle with addiction and grief. Hannah Jarrett-Scott as ‘The B’ is extraordinary she carefully portrays this character balancing the laugh-out-loud comedic nature of this complex character. Underneath this outlandish and hysterical character lies a young woman who’s buried trauma is at the centre for the ‘red mist’ that takes over making her lash out. Hiftu Quasem as ‘Noor’ is a great performance indicating the hardships of young carers and the difficulties of a person who is unsure of who she is. Through joining the football team, ‘Noor’ finds solace and blooms into a confident young woman. Quasem has a fantastic energy that is engaging and shows the mindset of a young person seeking a pathway forward. Louise Ludgate as ‘Lorraine’ brings wonderful comedy as ‘The Cat’. Leaping into action, she provides brilliant moments of hilarity throughout utilizing her physicality and endearing charm that wins audiences over. Ludgate’s ‘Lorraine’ is also facing her own hardships in life and finds her feet again through the power of sport. ‘Sammy’, portrayed by Kim Allen, an exciting new addition to the production. Allen’s performance highlights the insecurities and unbridled strength of being a single mum. Through her joining the team, Allen’s performance demonstrates the character’s trajectory of a shy mum of two. Finding her voice in a sea of self-doubt, then ‘hulking’ out by the end to prove to herself that she is a strong woman and that her needs are important too. 

As an ensemble piece, this cast bounces excellently off of each other and never let the ball slip. Through this they produce an experience for audiences that is fully immersive and allows us to fully connect to the very real human stories that we all relate to.

Bryony Shanahan’s direction is brilliant. Shanahan expertly deploys the use of stylised movement, unapologetic direct address and expansive use of stage space to create unique opportunities to transport the audience from training sessions, World Cup changing room and the inner psyches of the five women. The inspired choices of how the ‘game’ is presented in the show are striking and entertaining, transporting the audience into the stadium stands. Shanahan cleverly utilises the large space to create pockets of intimacy between the five women as they share their experiences of struggling and hardships. Alisa Kalyanova’s set and costume design, along with Lizzie Powell’s lighting design beautifully frames the action elevating this production. Not forgetting the interesting sound design by Susan Bear which embeds the audience in the action as soon as you enter the space.

Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse have cultivated a script that is compassionate, hilarious, and honest. The two writers have developed this story with the women of Dundee Change Centre, and this is reflected beautifully in the dialogue and stories presented in the play. They are inspired by the real hardships and struggles of these women. As an audience member you can see the amount of care that has gone into crafting a story that reflects, not just the lives of these five women, but opens up the struggles of a community of people that are discounted in society. But, through the love of sport, these five women are given a spotlight and a voice that enables the community to unite and cheer them on. 

I would highly recommend to anyone to see this fantastic production. Whether you are a football fan or not, this is truly a unique piece of theatre that deserves a large crowd of spectators to enjoy and support the women of the Change Centre. 

Get your tickets here – https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/same-team-a-street-soccer-story

Photography – Tommy Ga-Ken Wan