Inspired by old photographs of Amelia Earhart, picture book author Kate Pankhurst (yes, distantly related to suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst) set to work doodling a fictional character called Lady Wilkinton, a female explorer who travelled the world looking for unique finds for her museum. What ensued was a book series of inspiring stories for young girls which tell the histories of some of the most fantastic women who have changed the world. Kate shares, “The stories you hear when you are young are incredibly important, they can help you look at the world in a new light and feel a little braver - they help to form the jigsaw of you.”
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is a charming musical championing young women to find their inner strength and to stand strong in their convictions, talents and dreams. It is all quite moving, if you imagine what it would be like to sit there as a tween looking at her whole life ahead of her and wondering the same questions that are asked throughout the show, “What are you capable of?” and “Where do you want to go?”
The set echoes these sentiments. Feeling slightly SIX inspired, this girl-powered production features an all-female cast and musical accompaniment, the likes of which are on full upstage display and part of the action instead of supporting from behind or beneath. Arrows are painted every which way on all parts of the set, further driving that “find your path” messaging, delivered expertly by our Gallery of Greatness who include:
Amelia Earheart, Sacagawea, Gertrude Ederle, Emmeline Pankhurst, Jane Austen, Frida Kahlo, Agent Fifi (aka Marie Christine Chilver), Mary Seacole, Marry Anning, Marie Curie, Rosa Parks and Anne Frank
What a line up!
Jade Kennedy, Renée Lamb, Christina Modestou and Kirstie Skivington bring to life these authors, suffragettes, scientists, pilots, etc. etc. through punchy, sweet songs to lift your heart and the spirits of our leading lady Ukdzai Mangombe as Jade, a young girl who has (seemingly) been left behind at a school trip to the museum. She struggles with feeling unseen and unheard, her family struggling with divorce at home and herself feeling the weight of the uncertainty of her future and her place in the world, as many young girls can probably relate.
Absolutely perfect for ages 10 - 16, you must bring your daughter/friend/niece along to Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World and sit together through 85 minutes of the ultimate family-friendly girl power musical!
UNTIL SAT 30 APR 2022
Evenings 7pm | Matinees Fri & Sat 3pm
Running time (approx.): 1 hour 24 minutes (no interval)
Age: 7+
KING'S THEATRE
BOX OFFICE: 0131 529 6000