| "A Gem of a Play" |
Wales at Edinburgh Fringe in the 2020s |
| Betsi- Her Story Theatre Company , theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall, Edinburgh , September 9, 2026 |
The description read:"Following sell-out Welsh tours, Her Story Theatre Company presents Betsi – the electrifying story of Betsi Cadwaladr. From humble beginnings to globe-trotting adventures, Betsi's extraordinary life culminates in her most daring venture: in her sixties, defying all conventions, she sailed to the Crimean battlefield to serve as a nurse, where she famously clashed with Florence Nightingale herself. “Through flashbacks and poignant interviews, this superb script by Welsh playwright Adele Cordner brings Betsi's indomitable spirit to life with heart-stopping excitement and tender humanity. Prepare to laugh, cry and be swept away by this unforgettable theatrical experience celebrating a true trailblazer." * * * * “Betsi” was reviewed in Newport: “Writer and director Adele Corner has previously displayed a talent for bringing to life historical Welsh stories of forgotten bravery, (2022’s The Balloon Girls been a shining example of this) and here Adele goes back to the 1800’s to vividly recall Betsi’s story, striking a neat balance of humour and drama as Betsi recalls her stories to her biographer, Jane Williams. “Effectively performed as a two-hander, Betsi is brilliantly portrayed with a comical, but respectful feistiness by Clare Drewett in different phases of her life from childhood to maturity. “Adele Cordner effectively multi-roles as Cadwaladr’s biographer Jane Williams as well as a succession of many other characters including Florence Nightingale. “I really enjoyed how a new character was effectively announced with both actors reciting the characters name as part of the dialogue before a grand entrance. I also enjoyed the use of the Welsh language in parts of the play and think this is an important element for writers to observe when producing plays about Wales. “It’s Cadwaladr’s confrontations with Nightingale that are the interesting highlight of Daughter of Bala, not only illustrating the difficulties Nightingale faced managing and training nurses without appropriate UK government support, but also Betsi’s tenacity and indomitable spirit to improve standards in battlefield nursing. “Striking sound and lighting design combine with a simple staging consisting of manoeuvrable table and chairs allowing the actors to tell stories of varying scenarios involving shipwrecks, theatre visits and elephant rides....challenges, educates and entertains while bringing to life once again a genuine Welsh hero.” Abridged, with thanks and acknowledgement, from the full review which can be read at: https://entertainmentsouthwales.wordpress.com/2024/06/09/review-daughter-of-bala-riverfront-studio-newport/ * * * * From audience feedback in Edinburgh: "Fascinating two-hander about a Welsh heroine we’ve never heard of and a striking commentary on the biased nature of the history we’re taught and take for granted, if not for important work like this. “Great script, beautifully played by the two actors who brought Betsi’s story to life with clever use of stage, furniture, props and costumes. Betsi’s beautiful Welsh accent is poetic and rolling like the hills of Wales and I believe the piece was written by the other actor who played all other roles with humour and skill. A fringe gem that I’m really delighted to have seen. It’s one that will stay with me. * * * * “Excellent. Superb and imaginative. The brilliant minimalistic, improvised set combines subtle, clever sound effects and lighting to beautifully enhance the performances of the two actors who magically bring to life the story of this amazing and generally unheralded Welsh heroine. Time sped by, I was left wanting to hear more about the life of Betsy. Highly recommended.” * * * * “This is a really engaging and enjoyable piece of theatre. Strong performances. Moving and funny. A slick and creative whirlwind through the life of a woman who deserves to be celebrated. Well done Her Story Theatre for bringing Betsi to life.” * * * * “A gem of a play about a person we have never previously heard of. A wonderful performance by the 2 ladies who took us on the many adventures of Betsi, who sadly passed on unheralded, but live again through this performance.” * * * * “An engaging, informative, enjoyable show about someone whom I, for one, had never heard of. Clearly a formidable lady, although no lady, by the standards of the time, Betsi's globe-trotting tale deserves to be told and Her Story do a nice job of telling it, with just enough Welsh to give a flavour of her birthplace without being off-putting to non-Welsh speakers like me. “There's much talk of the Crimea: refreshingly and sensibly, the urge to draw contemporary parallels is resisted. Two good actors too, one taking the title role, the other playing everyone else, from relatives and a biographer to Florence Nightingale and one-armed Lord Raglan.” * * * * “Powerful play telling the story of a forgotten character, who went against Florence Nightingales wishes to bring nursing to the front line in the Crimea. Two actresses portray Betsi and a multitude of other characters. Played today to a sold out audience. Not to be missed.” * * * * “A moving, clever and informative play of the life of a truly remarkable yet overlooked woman. I was so glad I saw it - I loved it. Don't miss your chance to see this!” Sourced, with thanks and acknowledgement, from: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/betsi |
Reviewed by: Adam Somerset |
This review has been read 95 times There are 39 other reviews of productions with this title in our database:
|
