We have also started to research a project about Women's Football for performance in April 2025.

In the early 20th century, women's football grew almost as quickly as the men's game, and reached new heights when the nation's men left for the First World War. However, in 1921 the FA took the decision to ban women's football, essentially outlawing the game in England. This ban set back the burgeoning women's game.

We are currently trying to write a play about the famous Plymouth Ladies Football team of the 1920s. Through our research we already have quite a lot of general information about the team and its exploits in 1921-22, but to give human interest we intend to focus the drama around 3 individual players - Jessie Boultwood (captain), Agnes Opie (Left Half) and Hilda Ford (Goalkeeper). Hence we wondered if there is anyone out there who is related to any of these ladies, or knows anyone who can recall any background details/stories about them, and who would be willing to talk to us. We are also interested in Frank Zanazzi who was their coach.

We know that this is a long shot but we are looking for the little personal details/memories/stories that would help us to bring these characters to life!

Any help/thoughts/suggestions would be much appreciated

 "Matthew 22.39"

Performances are scheduled for the last week in January 2025.

THE TALK SHOP (PL1 5EE) - MONDAY 27th JAN at 6.30pm


SALTASH COMMUNITY KITCHEN (PL12 6JL) -TUESDAY 28th JAN at 7pm

 

PLYMOUTH CENTRAL LIBRARY (PL1 1HZ) - WEDNESDAY 29th JAN at 7pm


THE PLOT (PL1 3EZ) - THURSDAY 30th JAN at 6.30pm

 

PLYMOUTH PROPRIETARY LIBRARY (PL1 5NN) - SATURDAY 1st FEB at 2pm

 

St PAUL’S CHURCH STONEHOUSE (PL1 3QR) - SATURDAY 1st FEB at 7pm

 

THE UNITARIAN CHURCH (PL1 2HG) - SUNDAY 2nd FEB at 2pm

 

Script-in-Hand’s latest performance is inspired by a play called “I knew they wouldn’t help…they never do” by Ruby Nation who was commissioned by the Neighbourhood Watch to write this piece.

Ruby’s play is set in a 1980s’ UK city; it reimagines the true story of Genovese who, on March 13th, 1964, at around 2.30 am, having driven home after work, was murdered outside her block of flats in New York whilst her fellow residents procrastinated about what to do, who to ring and whether the event which they could hear and partially see, was a genuine emergency.

The tragedy helped to facilitate the creation of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. The 911 emergency line was implemented four years late.

 

Hence, we asked other local writers to contribute pieces about city life on the theme of neighbours, and the difference a stranger’s help can make.

 

Our title, “Matthew 22:39” is not intended to imply that only the Christian Bible focuses the importance of ‘loving your neighbour’ for this commandment forms a pivotal part of all major religions, particularly Islam, which emphasises that ‘neighbour’ means anyone who needs you regardless of race, religion, gender or social class. The Qur’an centres on reciprocity of care and how this will create harmony and enable the building of better more peaceful communities. Buddhism likewise stresses the value of reciprocity with ‘light your neighbour’s candle and it will light your path too’ and Hinduism reminds us ‘Do naught unto others which would cause pain unto you’.

If you are interested in becoming involved in Script-In-Hand Theatre please use the email address (below) to contact us.

Contact - plymdrama41@gmail.com