Telling the little-known true story of the Sterling Ladies, this world premiere from one of the most widely performed playwrights in the UK celebrates the Lionesses and the pioneering women who paved the way as they played their hearts out a century before. Known as the Dagenham Invincibles and the greatest women’s football team of World War One, the Sterling Ladies never lose a game over two seasons and are declared ‘The Unbeaten Women Champions of the Country’. In the wake of the end of the war in 1919, the factory girls must hang up their boots and triumphs fade into obscurity. In 2023, their war-cry is heard in the roar of the Lionesses and for Hornchurch teenager Maya, this is the event of the summer. Cheering on England from the family sofa, she conjures up long-lost footballing secrets and evokes the spirit of The Invincibles. Written as the FIFA Women’s World Cup plays out this summer, like the best football games, the results are unknown until the final whistle. Told across two football teams, a century apart, The Invincibles commemorates the joyous spirit of the girls who played for the love of the game.
Writer Amanda Whittington said, “I’m delighted to be back at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch for this unique production. The Invincibles celebrates a century of change and with women’s football on the world stage, it’s beyond exciting to bring the untold history of local pioneers Sterling Ladies to life. It’s also thrilling – and a little scary – to write the 2023 scenes as the World Cup plays out. Win or lose though, I’ve no doubt the Lionesses will give us plenty of drama!”