They play by five rules:
- Players always come first.
- We look to the future.
- We never leave anyone behind.
- We put put others before ourselves.
- We keep our promises.
Five very different women come together to bring the Homeless World Cup to Scotland. Jo (Chloe-Ann Taylor), The B (Hannah Jarrett-Scott), Sammy (Kim Allen), Noor (Hana Greer) and Lorraine (Louise Ludgate) couldn’t be more different if they tried and each brings a container full of baggage to the training field of the Change Centre.
A few liberties have been taken with the precise rules of the real Homeless World Cup but they are done for dramatic purpose. The women’s stories unfold at a blistering pace. Each character is different, each fully developed, and all relatable and within the bounds of reality. The writing and acting elicits as many laughs as tears as screams of enthusiasm.
The premise, the energy and the execution are impeccable. The actors perfectly cast. The ninety minute, straight-through running time flies past in a flash. The enthusiasm created by creators Robbie Jack and Jack Nurse in collaboration with the women of Street Soccer Scotland, results in spontaneous audience participation throughout, the auditorium even rises to its feet as one to sing Flower of Scotland.
To its absolute credit it refrains from descending into saccharine sweetness, keeping it real until the end.
Often work based on real stories don’t translate well to the stage but you would be hard-pressed to find a more perfect piece of theatre. A complete and utter joy that will leave you uplifted and moved in equal measure.
Same Team will be running at The Traverse Theatre during the Fringe as part of Travfest. One not to be missed.
Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan