Bitter Lemons

In the worlds of football and finance, two women carve their own paths, but as their pitches get closer, worlds collide, and life shifts unexpectedly. Bitter Lemons is an explosive debut play from Lucy Hayes, tackling the pressures on womens bodies and the power society holds over them.

Format: Paperback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing (UK)

In the intense realms of football and finance, two remarkable women forge their own paths. Following the untimely passing of her father, a goalkeeper embarks on a journey to prepare for the league final, while an ambitious banker confronts her deep-seated fears of being tokenized in order to secure a well-deserved promotion. As their paths converge, worlds collide, and life takes an unexpected and parallel turn. How do you confront your most formidable challenge yet?

Winner of a prestigious Pleasance Edinburgh National Partnership Award and with the support of Bristol Old Vic, Bitter Lemons is an explosive debut play by Lucy Hayes. It delves into the pressures exerted on women's bodies and the societal control that wields over them. This edition was specially published to coincide with the world premiere at the Pleasance Courtyard during the August 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The play revolves around two women, Sarah, a goalkeeper, and Emily, a banker, who are determined to overcome personal obstacles and achieve their professional goals. Sarah, who lost her father in a tragic accident, finds herself grappling with the emotional weight of his absence as she prepares for the league final. Meanwhile, Emily, driven by her ambition, battles her fears of being marginalized and tokenized in the male-dominated world of finance.

As their paths intersect, Sarah and Emily discover that their challenges are interconnected and that their lives are taking unexpected turns. They face societal expectations, personal demons, and the pressure to succeed in their respective fields. Through their struggles, they learn to embrace their strengths, challenge stereotypes, and redefine their own paths.

Bitter Lemons is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the complexities of gender, identity, and the pressures of society. It sheds light on the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries and encourages viewers to question the status quo. The performances by the talented cast, led by Lucy Hayes as Sarah and Emma Lowe as Emily, are compelling and emotionally charged, bringing the characters to life with depth and authenticity.

The play's production values are impressive, with a well-designed set that captures the essence of the football field and the corporate world. The lighting and sound design add to the immersive experience, creating a sense of tension and drama that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

In conclusion, Bitter Lemons is a must-see play that offers a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by women in the world of football and finance. It is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of women who refuse to be defined by societal expectations. Through its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and impressive production, the play encourages viewers to embrace their own strengths, challenge stereotypes, and redefine their own paths.

Weight: 110g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350441675