Affairs, fame and status are all stereotypes in the world of W.A.G.S., but this musical includes a slight twist for one of these wives, a deadly coverup.
This musical adaptation is based on the Footballers’ Wives TV series from the noughties. I have not seen the TV series, but I assume that of all 5 seasons, that’s 42 episodes for those curious, the musical picks up pieces of the show and tries to integrate the series into song and showtime.
Travel back to 2002, and Pro football is everything in UK culture, and this is evident in the musical as villainous Tanya Turner (Ceili O’Connor), wife to the ruthless captain of Earls Park F.C., scrambles to keep her marriage afloat by trying to save her husband’s career, quite a puzzle when you also try to kill his inappropriate boss.
Footballers’ Wives has a winding plot with many side stories branching off. Although the stars are all able to belt out a number, the story unfortunately didn’t quite punch through in the same way; it was difficult to grasp a timeline, and some of the “branches” did not have a proper conclusion.
However, turning 5 seasons into just under an hour and a half is optimistic, and given how complicated that most likely was, the play still runs smoothly. The musical was still massively entertaining, and I found myself leaning into the drama and gossip like someone in a reality TV show.
Each character’s story was unique, especially Nurse Jeanette, who is arguably more problematic than any of the W.A.G.S. or footballers. Every song was powerful, reflecting these women’s prevailing authority and frustration and with their idiotic husbands, in a tabloid frenzy world.
Footballers’ Wives: The Musical 18.35, Assembly Rooms – Music Hall, until August 24
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/footballers-wives-the-musical
