Pitch
Theatre (lgbtq+)
-
Venue 33Pleasance Courtyard - Pleasance Above
- 15:45
- Aug 28
- 1 hour
- Country: United Kingdom - England
- Group: November Theatre and The Pleasance
- Warnings and additional info: This show contains strobe lighting, strong language, a full blackout, special effects, overlapping/loud/high-pitched/repetitive/unexpected sound and references to homophobia and transphobia.
- Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 2 years
Description
A bold, joyful, goal-scoring exploration of the relationship between football and the queer community. In the wake of the Qatar World Cup and in the midst of the 2023 Women's Tournament, Pitch blends documentary storytelling and theatre, investigating what it means to watch, play and love the beautiful game. November Theatre (one of The Stage's Top Picks of the Fringe, 2022) imagines a future in which queer representation in football is more than just a debate over a rainbow armband. Expect a hat-trick of true stories, dirty tactics and dancing! Winner of the Pleasance's Charlie Hartill Fund.Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: Main queue on road outside. Lift access through Pleasance Bar — ask at Box Office or bar for assistance.
- Stairs: 11- 20
Wheelchair access type: Building Lift
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
Captioned performances
- Dates: 13 August, 21 August
- Type: Open
- Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team to book your tickets and request any specific seating locations or if booking a unit is required.
Relaxed performances
- Dates: 10 August, 20 August
- Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team for more information or to discuss any accessibility requirements. Character Introduction Details
- Additional information: Information not supplied

Be aware that this show features:
- Performer goes into audience area
- Total Audience Black Out
- Flashing Lights/Strobed Lighting
- Loud/repetitive/high pitched/unexpected or overlapping sound
- Special effects (e.g. smoke/bubbles/pyrotechnics)
- Characters expressing anger
- Heavily dialogue-driven scenes
- Permission to move around and make noise
- Show guide or synopsis or character list
Show does not feature:
- Distinctive smells
- Latex balloons
- Audience required to walk around
- Audience required to undertake directed movement
- Audience required to sing/speak along with/for performer
- Audience invited on stage
- An intermission
- Audience chill out area
- Permission to engage with performer
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- Requires extra assistance when at a venue
- Has specific seating requirements
- Is a wheelchair user
- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
Tisie 103 days ago
5 excellent performers, kept both myself and my wife entertained throughout. I've played football in my past (a ladies team) and my wife does not have a single sporty cell in her body (yeah, go figure!) BUT you don't need to be a footy fan to 'get' this great message about inclusivity, team work and friendship. You 'kicked it our the park guys'
Warren McGinnis 105 days ago
"The future is queer, because the present is."
I hope I am not mis-quoting, but it is something along these lines.
Following along with a casual football team comprised of five queer members, the story is the culmination of their individual stories of how football was a childhood joy, that was then politicized and turned against them, and that they are now reclaiming as their own. The metaphor is not so much a metaphor as it is an example/case in point of how queer youth must fight to be young and full of joy.
This show could easily become preachy or trauma-porn-y, but true to its thesis (if it has one), it sends you off at the end of the show full of laughter and tears from the beauty of it all. Bring everyone you know. Especially the ones you think will hate it. They might love it the most.
Morag M 109 days ago
This show was recommended by someone who I met in passing and I’m so glad I took a chance and saw it! Beautifully authentic and driven by community and friendship. My partner and I aren’t that into football, so many references went over our heads (pun intended), but by the end of the show it’s more about the friendship and community anyway. Such a relevant and poignant conversation, and has inspired me to potentially enter my football era!
Will Akrigg 113 days ago
Fantastic show. Thought all five characters shined and it was wonderfully interspersed with damning quotes from professional football. Full of references for any football fan. Utterly uplifting and renewed some faith/optimism back into the game.
Aaron 120 days ago
I feel so fortunate to have seen this play. From start to finish you can feel an energy that lifts you off your seat.
The performers in this play all have such a unique contribution to this energy, they are a fierce ensemble. A perfectly crafted cast put together with great care and thought.
The direction feels effortless and guides each carefully woven storyline into a concise and accessible show.
This is a production that is so important for today's audiences, and gives hope and joy for a more inclusive world of football.
As someone who recently joined an LGBTQ+ team it really hit a cord with me, but the message is universal. Even someone who hates football would find this play mesmerising I would think.
I laughed, I cried, I felt anger and I felt hope. It's not often I have this note for theatre: I wouldnt change a thing.
Thank you for this production, beautiful work.
Mx Mike 120 days ago
Phenomenal and so so so important. It was such a joy to see a piece about queer and trans inclusion when so many of us struggle to find our safe place. I loved this so much, the sense of community and the raw emotion felt throughout was incredible
JD 121 days ago
As queer people, we understood what this play was trying to aim for, but unfortunately it fell short. There is no tangible plot and, whilst the soundbites are useful to reiterate certain points, they seem to simply prop up a very weak script. Also, the suggested team name by a white character is the 'Muddy Studs' - a play on the queer phrase 'studs', used to describe black lesbians... I think whoever wrote it needs to take time to educate themselves about who these queer labels belong to. Some decent direction in parts, but felt very forced performance-wise.
Cee 122 days ago
Really engaging theatre piece about a queer football team. It's understandably a play with a serious message against homophobia and transphobia, but the cast also manage to intersperse the hard-hitting moments with humour, hope and joy. Well worth a watch!
Aisa Nerva-Culley 124 days ago
Absolutely fantastic show, showcases the queer experience when it comes to the sport industry in such a real and emotional way. Definitely not one to miss.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
LondonTheatre1 106 days ago
Theatre Weekly 111 days ago
The Stage 116 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.