The production introduces Jamaican Doctress Mary Seacole to new audiences taking them through her life and experiences. It is an adventurous tale of a woman who pushed through barriers of gender and race in the 19th Century to offer her healing expertise to soldiers in the Crimean war at the same time as the widely known Florence Nightingale. She was highly regarded by the soldiers who sought comfort and care at her British Hotel in the midst of the Crimean war (1854 – 1856)
A professional production about Mary Seacole'The Yellow Doctress' By Marcia Layne. Produced by Yorkshire based company Hidden Gems Productions. The play lasts for one hour followed by a brief workshop.The play was originally produced by the West Yorkshire Playhouse and successfully toured twice in 2007 and 2008 across Leeds and was widely praised by children and teachers alike for its vibrant and compelling storytelling of this inspiring woman's life.
Character BIOS (One woman Show plays both roles)
Name: Mary Secole, GENDER: Female, AGE: 40 +
Mary Seacole is a significant Black British woman born in Jamaica in 1805. She is highly regarded and ranked in the top 100 greatest Black Britons website. A formidable and hard working woman widowed she risked her life and travelled to the Crimean war to offer her skills and support to British soldiers.
Name: Millicent, GENDER: Female, AGE: 30 +
Millicent is a recently arrived (1950) Carribean Nurse who perseveres with her patients in the NHS despite some unwelcoming behaviours from some. Through her determination and care we learn the history of the contribution made by the Caribbean work force in the NHS.