The noughties are back with a bang as Footballers’ Wives: The Musical prepares to storm the Assembly Rooms at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Based on the cult ITV drama that ran from 2002 to 2006, the musical promises glamour, scandal, and high-octane entertainment – all without a football in sight. At the heart of the production is composer and lyricist Kath Gotts, who spoke to us about adapting the iconic series for the stage.
“I loved the TV show,” Gotts says. “I kept being drawn back to the characters of Tanya and Chardonnay and Donna – such a lovely contrast of different characters, so much comedy and fun to be had. It just screamed to be a musical.”
While the show will be a nostalgic treat for fans of the original series, Gotts is clear that no prior knowledge is needed. “It is essential that it stands alone. You’re introduced to all the characters, and we’ve created a story that works within the confines of one single musical. Hopefully it’s satisfying whether you know the show or not.”
Gotts, who previously collaborated with Maureen Chadwick on Bad Girls: The Musical, is once again working with the original TV creator. “Full disclosure – Maureen is also my life partner,” Gotts shares. “She absolutely knows the characters, having co-created the TV show, so that puts us in a very strong position to work on the material.”
The musical has been condensed to an 80-minute version for the Fringe, a process Gotts describes as both challenging and invigorating. “We just learned to be more and more brutal and hard-nosed about what has got to stay. But I think we’ve really made it rock along for 80 minutes. You need to feel, ‘OK, there’s 20 minutes left to go – but boy, are we invested in the story now.’”
When it comes to writing the music, Gotts starts with the characters. “I always start from what is being expressed in that moment. Music and lyrics come together in my head – I couldn’t say what the music is until I know what the lyrics are, and vice versa.”
The cast, recently announced, has already begun to bring the show to life. “Their enthusiasm is infectious,” Gotts says. “They’ve got to be their own version of Tanya and Chardonnay. In fact, the characters have slightly evolved – particularly Chardonnay, who’s now a little bit warmer, slightly new age and kooky and fun.”
And yes, the outrageousness of the original series is very much intact. “That’s the fun of it. It’s not a spoof. It’s serious comedy when it’s comedy, but it’s also drama and real-life relationship stakes being played out.”
As for Gotts’ first time at the Fringe? “I’m looking forward to seeing some nice big audiences for our show – and just getting the vibe, wandering around and picking some random shows to see. I think we’ll just see what we bump into.”
Asked how they might sell tickets on the Royal Mile? “Do you want to see a big show with lots of glamour, fun, full-on entertainment for 80 minutes? We’ve got attempted murder, hen and stag nights, a fairytale wedding – you name it, we’ve got it. Come and see it, because I can guarantee that you’re going to have a blast.”
Footballers’ Wives: The Musical runs from 30th July to 24th August 2025 (not 13th) at the Assembly Rooms (Music Hall). Tickets are available here.
