Lost Lionesses Play ‘returns home’ in Bedfordshire, says writer

A theatrical production on the rebellious and unofficial team of England which participated in the 1971 women’s World Cup “returned home,” said his playwright.

Nicole Lockwood-West was inspired to write the lionesses lost by her aunt Christine Lockwood, who is part of the unauthorized team that played in front of 90,000 football fans in Mexico before being banned upon their return.

“The lionesses won in such an emblematic way, it changed the course of women’s football but I wanted to remember the game pioneers,” she said.

After a successful race in London, the game arrives on site, Bedford – in the county, many players were based – from April 15 to 19.

It is a tribute to the manager Harry Batt, who was banned from English football after training the team despite the opposition of the Women’s Football Association, and has since died.

The game ends with a positive note, showing how the game completed the loop with Euro 2022 winning lionesses.

Ms. Lockwood-West said: “I always thought it was a big story, I always grew up with my mother and my aunt by talking to myself.

“It is a piece of local history that had been forgotten. It is time to bring him home, he returns home.”

Christine Lockwood said she was happy to leave the script to her niece.

“I didn’t want to prick my nose. When I saw it, I thought it was great. You don’t even have to love football, it’s so edifying.”

Jan Emms, 73, from Bedford, who was 19 years old when She played on the sidesaid that she was delighted that they “finally get the recognition that we deserve completely”.

“I am absolutely delighted with what happened now, 53 years after history has been hidden.

“If you told me, all these years ago, there would be a book, a film and a play on us, we would have laughed at us.”