The performance of “Kick Off” on 22nd May 2025 at AKS Lytham was a powerful and thought-provoking devised piece that courageously tackled the serious issue of domestic violence. It explored how the intensity and passion surrounding football can sometimes amplify domestic abuse situations, offering a raw and unflinching look into the lives of those affected. Through a series of varied scenarios, it portrayed the harsh realities faced by victims of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, making the audience confront the often hidden and complex nature of domestic violence. The use of football as a backdrop added a unique and relevant dimension to the narrative, highlighting how emotions tied to sport can sometimes fuel conflict in the home.
I found “Kick Off” to be an incredibly impactful and well-crafted performance. The actors conveyed the emotional weight of the subject matter with authenticity and sensitivity, which left me deeply moved. The staging and storytelling were effective in drawing me into each scenario, making the experience extremely engaging. It was a reminder of the importance of awareness and empathy when it comes to domestic violence, and it stayed with me long after the final scene. The emotional response I had speaks to the success of the piece in not only informing but also connecting with its audience on a deeper level.
A standout moment for me was the incredibly creative use of a scarf to represent different objects throughout the performance, such as a casket and a car seatbelt, but it was also used to represent sexual assault and the removal of clothing. This physicality added a fresh and deeply emotional layer to the performance. The scarf’s versatility allowed the actors to vividly convey the complex scenes and intense emotions with minimal resources, showcasing their creativity and ability to draw the audience into their narrative.
Moreover, the cast—consisting of Anya Dewin, Jennifer Romer, and Adam Jones—effectively fulfilled their production goals by delivering a powerful depiction of domestic abuse. Their raw and heartfelt performances captured the fear, pain, and vulnerability experienced by victims, as well as the aggression linked to football fan culture.
Jennifer’s most powerful moment was certainly her final scene, where she completely lost control, throwing props and trashing the set in a raw, intense outburst of anger. It really showed the depth of her character’s pain and frustration. Adam’s standout scene was when he played a victim of abuse, enduring the agony of being burned by hot water; his portrayal of pain and helplessness was incredibly moving and realistic. Anya’s final scene was truly unforgettable—her portrayal of a sexual assault victim was raw and heart-wrenching, with emotions so vivid and powerful that it left the audience speechless. Each of their performances brought a profound emotional weight to the story.
Overall, each actor brought incredible emotion and authenticity to their roles, making the story feel real and deeply affecting.
By Charlotte C, Year 12 Drama Scholar.