A play depicting the daring journey of the unofficial England women’s team that participated in the 1971 Women’s World Cup is returning to its roots, according to its creator. Nicole Lockwood-West, the playwright behind The Lost Lionesses, drew inspiration from her aunt Christine Lockwood, one of the members of the renegade team that captivated a crowd of 90,000 football enthusiasts in Mexico before facing repercussions upon their return. Lockwood-West expressed her motivation behind the production, stating, “The Lionesses achieved victory in such a monumental manner that influenced the trajectory of women’s football. However, I felt compelled to honor the trailblazers of the sport.”
After a successful showcase in London, The Lost Lionesses is set to grace The Place in Bedford, coincidentally where many of the players resided, from April 15-19. The play pays homage to team manager Harry Batt, who encountered professional barriers after assembling the squad despite disapproval from the Women’s Football Association. The storyline culminates on an optimistic note, highlighting the full circle journey of the sport with the Lionesses securing victory in Euro 2022. Lockwood-West expressed her sentiments regarding the narrative, saying, “I always believed it was an incredible tale. I was raised listening to stories from my mother and aunt about their experiences.”
Christine Lockwood disclosed her satisfaction in entrusting the script to her niece, asserting, “I refrained from interfering. When I witnessed the portrayal, I found it remarkable. One does not need to be a football enthusiast to find it uplifting.” Jan Emms, now 73 and residing in Bedford, reminiscing on her time at 19 when she was part of the team, expressed her elation at the long-overdue acknowledgment they are receiving. Emms reflected on the turn of events, “I am absolutely thrilled by the belated recognition we are finally receiving after 53 years of obscurity. Back then, if anyone had suggested that our story would be immortalized in a book, film, and play, we would have simply laughed it off.
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