The Other Neville | 53two

The Other Neville, written and performed by Imogen Greenwood, has arrived at Manchester’s 53two Theatre in the heart of the city. This heartfelt one-woman production places Greenwood centre stage as she explores the life and experiences of Tracey Neville, charting her journey growing up in a sports focused household alongside her famous footballing brothers, Gary and Phil Neville. Through a personal and engaging narrative, the production examines themes of family, ambition, and carving out one’s own path while living in the shadow of sporting success.

Admittedly, before attending this production, my knowledge of netball and Tracey Neville’s journey was limited. However, the clarity of the storytelling ensures that audiences are guided through her experiences from the outset, navigating the obstacles she faced and the challenges that shaped her sporting career. Although running for just 65 minutes, the production feels remarkably substantial, charting Neville’s journey from a young girl being told she could not play football like her brothers because she was a girl, through to her achievements as Head Coach of the England netball team, culminating in their historic gold medal victory at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The monologue driven format, combined with carefully selected multimedia footage from Neville’s life and career, provides valuable context and enriches the narrative. These elements work seamlessly together to ensure that even audience members unfamiliar with her story like myself can fully engage with it. The result is an inspiring and deeply moving piece of theatre that celebrates both personal determination and sporting excellence.

Greenwood’s performance is highly commendable, maintaining the audience’s engagement throughout while skilfully balancing the demands of narration and physical performance. As a solo performer, she carries the production with confidence, seamlessly shifting between storytelling and embodiment, bringing key moments of Tracey Neville’s journey vividly to life. The emotional weight of the story is conveyed through Greenwood’s warm and sincere portrayal, allowing audiences to connect with both the triumphs and setbacks that define Neville’s career. Greenwood’s own Rochdale roots also lend an authenticity and northern charm to the production, creating an immediate sense of familiarity and resonance that is likely to strike a chord with local audiences.

As the play’s writer, Greenwood demonstrates a strong understanding of her subject matter, crafting a script that thoughtfully explores both the highs and lows of women’s sport. The production effectively highlights the challenges of pursuing recognition in disciplines such as netball, particularly when viewed alongside the high-profile football careers of Gary and Phil Neville. In doing so, it shines a light on wider conversations surrounding visibility, opportunity, and the value placed on women’s sporting achievements.

Although advertised as a one-woman production, The Other Neville makes excellent use of its supporting ensemble, whose members multi-role as Tracey’s teammates, family members, and the many figures who have influenced her journey. The ensemble also provides some of the play’s most entertaining moments. Ellie Begley and Rosie Thomas are particularly memorable in their portrayals of Gary and Phil Neville, delivering exaggerated, almost satirical interpretations of the footballing brothers that generate plenty of laughter while remaining affectionate in tone. Their comic performances offer a welcome contrast to the more reflective elements of the narrative.

The minimal use of set and props proves to be an effective creative choice, allowing the focus to remain firmly on the performers and the authenticity of the storytelling. Within the intimate setting of Manchester’s 53two Theatre, this stripped-back approach works especially well, creating a close connection between cast and audience and ensuring that the emotional core of the story remains at the forefront throughout.

Overall, The Other Neville is a thought-provoking and deeply engaging production that is likely to resonate with sports enthusiasts and theatre fans alike. Combining raw, heartfelt storytelling with moments of warmth and humour, the play succeeds in celebrating not only Tracey Neville’s remarkable achievements but also the broader conversations surrounding recognition in women’s sport.

Given the strengths of Greenwood’s writing and performance, The Other Neville feels like a production with significant potential beyond its current run. It would be no surprise to see the play enjoy a future life, continuing to inspire and connect with audiences across the country.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review