Wor Bella

Back on tour by popular demand.

The incredible story of the North East munitionettes who saved the WWI war effort and played football to raise money for wounded servicemen, widows and orphans.

From the team behind the hit plays The Cramlington Train Wreckers, Carrying David, Hadaway Harry, The Great Joe Wilson, Mr Corvan’s Music Hall and Centenary comes another brilliant tale. This time it’s the heroic WW1 women!

An epic story about working-class women’s rights!

In 1916, when men were conscripted, women flocked into industry. Not only did they prove they could endure long hours doing hard and physical “men’s work”, but they also played football. From January 1917 to the armistice in August 1918, many hundreds of workplace teams were formed throughout the country.

In the North East and Cumbria, dozens of teams came into existence. The North East was unique because we played for a cup. Of the many excellent sides and female stars that emerged at that time, Blyth Spartans Ladies were the greatest, and their leading striker was Bella Reay, who scored an incredible 130 goals in 30 games.

Wor Bella encapsulates the strength, dedication and heroism of these forgotten working-class munitionettes.

Wor Bella premiered in 2002, selling out venues throughout the North East. The show’s second run in 2024 resulted in a transfer to London, where it sold out, and then to three shows at a packed Newcastle Theatre Royal, where it garnered standing ovations.

The 2027 run has been sponsored by QTS (Cambois), Blyth Town Council and www.footiepassion.co.uk.