Only The Beginning, The Customs House and Thickskin Review

Written by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Only the Beginning, a new play in production with The Customs House and Thickskin took to the stage tonight.  Centred around female football, a grassroots team in the heart of South Tyneside is waiting to hear their fate. With a lack of money, mouldy third-hand strips and a pitch minus goalposts the girls train hard in the hope that the team will continue against all the odds. Written by Susan Mulholland, the play tackles the underrepresented and often gruelling realities of female football with a raw, unfiltered approach. Through powerful storytelling and a committed cast, the production digs into the social, physical, and emotional barriers that female players endure. This isn’t a glossy celebration of wins and camaraderie but rather an honest look at the sacrifices and challenges faced by women trying to carve out a place in a world that has historically overlooked them. The play brings attention to the exhilarating, yet trying world of women’s football, celebrating the determination, passion, and camaraderie of female players, whilst shining a spotlight on the harsher realities. At a time when women’s sports are finally gaining wider recognition, Only the Beginning is both relevant and refreshing, capturing the challenges and triumphs of its characters in a manner that feels deeply authentic.

The play follows a small group of young women who are brought together by their love for the game. These characters, each facing unique personal and social obstacles, represent a spectrum of experiences that resonate with anyone familiar with team sports. Mullholland's writing allows the audience to briefly witness each player's journey, giving us insight into how their love for football intertwines with their sense of identity and ambition. Through quick-witted dialogue and layered storytelling, the script balances the energy of competitive sports with a thoughtful exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience. The play’s setting—a modest, gritty locker room and field—establishes a sense of authenticity, grounding the story in the less glamorous, labour-intensive side of the sport. It doesn’t try to glamorise the players’ experience but instead sheds light on the struggles they face in seeking recognition and equality in a male-dominated space. The stage design is simple but effective, using sharp lighting and minimal props to enhance the tension and isolation that female players often feel.

Central to the play is the script, which captures the contrasting emotions that come with pursuing a dream that’s fraught with obstacles. Mulholland doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, weaving in the emotional toll of being consistently overlooked, the financial strain due to lack of sponsorship, and the slurs and insults endured in a male-dominated sport. The dialogue feels real and unpolished, full of frustration, humour, and moments of vulnerability, as the players confront these realities head-on. Weaving between the narrative is the touching backstory of Coach (Elizabeth Hope) that shows her struggle towards a game she once found beautiful. This narrative pull centres the story with heartfelt drive and emotion, creating depth throughout the piece and adding a personal touch to the subject matter.

The ensemble cast made up of Chloe Millar, Wambui Hardcastle, Julia Rogers and Ben Gettins delivered layered performances that brought the characters to life. Each actor brought a unique aspect to the stage capturing the physical and mental endurance that goes hand-in-hand with the relentless pursuit of a dream. The energetic choreography and physicality of the actors convey both the thrill and exhaustion of the sport, creating an immersive experience. The direction by Neil Bettles maintains a lively pace, allowing moments of tension and humour to flow naturally, giving the audience a strong sense of the physical and emotional intensity, yet Bettles did not shy away from the important moments of stillness that provided light and shade in the piece.

The play also shines in its humour, which strikes a delicate balance between light-hearted banter and sharp social commentary. The dialogue feels fresh and contemporary, laced with wit that brings out the personalities and their unbreakable spirit. Whether they’re cheering each other on or playfully teasing one another, the cast captures the unique dynamic of friendships, offering moments that feel both uplifting and relatable. Beyond celebrating women in sports, Only the Beginning confronts the systemic barriers that have historically limited female athletes. It touches on themes of inequality, gender bias, and the ongoing fight for representation in a way that feels both empowering and urgent. The script highlights that for these characters, football isn’t just a game—it’s a platform for growth, self-expression, and defiance against the odds.

Only the Beginning is a passionate, funny, and poignant tribute to women’s football and the women who pursue their dreams against all odds. This play not only entertains but also inspires, bringing attention to the grit and resilience required to break into spaces that have long been closed off. It’s an exhilarating experience, a fitting testament to the progress and the promise of women in sports.

★★★★