A one-woman comedy drama that kicks off with football, feminism, and the unpaid hustle behind the Women’s Super League. Goalkeeper Marnie navigates periods, penalties, and the pressures of an intense season, juggling sport, relationships, and sexism on and off the pitch. Writer and performer Kate Coulson sheds light on the reality behind the rising interest in women’s football—where progress is made but inequalities remain. Lioness is a sweaty love letter to friendship, resilience, and the fight for respect in a game still fighting for its place
Catch the show at Greenhouse (Clover Studio) from Friday 1st – Saturday 23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) at 12:40
What inspired you to write Lioness about the realities behind women’s football beyond the glamour of major victories?
I think it’s really important to highlight the battle that fans don’t see – even in a world where social media makes our footballers much more visible. Lifting the Euros trophy was of course a game-changing moment. But there are decades of household names – Alex Scott is a good example – shaking buckets in Sainsburys to fundraise for matches, balancing training with working shifts in the Arsenal laundry, and being outright told “no” to make that moment happen. We performed two WIP shows last December to an audience of close friends, most of them football fans. They had no idea that the women’s game was banned for fifty years (1921 to 1971), or that women paying to play is still very much a reality.
How do you think the perception of women’s football has changed since the 2022 Euros, and what challenges remain?
In general, the women’s game definitely more celebrated – and not just at the highest level. I grew up on the terraces at Highbury and loved a kickabout as much as the boys – but stopped playing when I knew there wasn’t a team for me. After that summer, I found my local grassroots club. I’m no Mary Earps but I love it! Of course, the massively increased WSL attendances, and huge stadiums like the Emirates and Villa Park now being home to their respective women’s teams, are vital positive changes. But there is a real danger of viewing women’s football through rose-tinted glasses.
The outdated sexism & bigotry is still very much there – you’d only have to look at the BBC Sport comments when Goodison Park was announced as the new home of Everton Women to find it. Or take Jim Radcliffe, the Manchester United owner. He didn’t turn up to the Women’s FA Cup final, forced the team to train in Portacabins while the men used their facilities during a rebuild, and didn’t recognise at-the-time captain Katie Zelem. And that’s before even addressing the footballing gender pay gap, or lack of maternity policies in the majority of clubs.
How do the themes of feminism and sport intersect in Marnie’s story?
Throughout Lioness, football represents the fight for female equality – both on and off the pitch. In Marnie’s story, her relationship with Premier League boyfriend Lewis is a huge part of this dynamic. As a WAG, she is expected to cheer, support and follow him when his career soars and hers dips. Football goes from being their shared passion to a ticking time bomb. In a worryingly regressive world regarding women’s rights – from the #tradwife movement to toxic male influencers – it feels really important to use football as a mirror to show how men and women are still treated unequally. But Marnie’s coach Jack – a no-nonsense Yorkshireman with a heart of gold – is a ray of hope.
I also talk directly to the audience, who represent the girl’s academy at Marnie’s club at the start and end of the show, as a narrative framing device. Depending on who’s watching, these are often comic moments, with Marnie teaching them how to cleverly challenge men who won’t take them seriously as footballers. If nothing else, the audience leaves knowing how to subtly annihilate someone who says “you’re alright… for a girl.”
How do you hope the show contributes to ongoing conversations about gender equality in sports?
Towards the end of the show, Marnie asks three questions directly to the male football fans in the audience. No spoilers – but I hope they leave with different answers than when they came in. I also hope it shows that women should have the choice to play football, wear makeup, be a mum – and that with enough support, we can do all three! This angle was inspired by the viral photo of the little girl watching the Euro 2022 final in a princess dress. Marnie and her teammates dancing in a club to Independent Women Part II is a sign that we are done being put in boxes! On that, Marnie addresses the audience with the plea that women’s football needs to become more sustainable. So I would hope the audience would think of ways in which they could do that – whether it’s writing to their local club campaigning for a maternity policy, fundraising for their local girl’s side, or supporting their clubs’ women’s team. Jack’s character is an example of men using their voices to coach, support and fight for change – so hopefully the audience leave feeling inspired!
What message do you hope audiences take away about the inequalities and stereotypes women footballers face?
This fight is far from over. We’re here to stay so grab your scarves, head to the stands and support your local women’s team!