Mary Seacole is one of the most significant figures in Black British history.
Born in Kingston in 1805, she is best-known for her work as a nurse during the Crimean war. She was also the author of the first autobiography by a Black woman in Britain.
Seacole has been considered a national hero for more than a century. For generations, kids growing up in the UK have learned of Seacole’s vital work in history classes at school.
This February half term, her story will be brought to life in a free theatrical performance for teens.
Written by the late Cleo Sylvestre, The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole traces her life from leaving Jamaica for England, to learning the medicinal properties of herbs and spices, all the way through to her work in the war.
The play has been directed by Sophia Woolfenden and Maria Sousa, starring Daniella Pollendine as Seacole.
Pollendine told East End Review: "[Preparation for the show has been] an absolute whirlwind in the best way. This is my second run of the show, so it has been a process of refining the work while remaining open to new discoveries.
"Mary Seacole is a very nuanced character, there have been a lot of interesting angles and sides of her character to explore beyond just her material achievements. I’ve been wearing many hats throughout this process, as writer, producer, co-director and performer which has been both challenging and rewarding. I have a deeper appreciation of everything that goes into bringing a production to life.
"I’ve also been able to work with an amazing creative team who have all been so dedicated in helping to execute my vision of the show".
The show is returning to the Rosemary Branch Theatre in Islington, where Sylvestre was once joint artistic director with Cecilia Darker.
There, she regularly played live music. She was also an ambassador for the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal (MSMA).
Laura Killeen, the theatre’s current artistic director, told East End Review bringing the performance back is a way of honouring two trailblazers - Seacole and Sylvestre.
“We are so delighted to support Daniella and the whole team in their endeavour to bring The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole back to the Rosemary Branch stage after 15 years”, she said.
“This piece - especially staged now - is such a beautiful way to acknowledge where we have come from and where we are hoping to go. We feel it is of utmost importance for young people to know about, and perhaps be inspired by, brilliant, trailblazing pioneers”.
In the lead-up to the event, the venue has provided free rehearsal space and funding to the production, to “give new life to the piece”.
Killeen continued: “Originally written and performed by our former artistic director Cleo Sylvestre, this piece educated, enlightened and enthralled audiences of all ages in theatres and schools across the UK”.
She added that the theatre will mark 30 years of being run by women in 2026. “Having a show like this - written, performed, directed and produced by women across generations and diversities - is exactly the kind of art we want to give a platform to”, she added.
“We are always working to cultivate the Rosemary Branch into a space where great things can begin”.
Pollendine added: "I’m in the remarkable position where I’m not just stepping into the character of Mary Seacole but also following in Cleo Sylvestre’s shoes, someone very dear to me and the Rosemary Branch Theatre.
"Oral tradition and Black storytelling has been at the heart of this show, I feel there is so much power in how this story has evolved - from Mary Seacole’s original autobiography, to Cleo’s play and now to my adaption. It is a continuation of the legacy of both of these women.
"Mary Seacole is an under represented woman in history, it has been really eye opening to see the gaps in people’s knowledge particularly when there seems to be no problem in remembering Florence Nightingale.
"Sharing Mary’s story feels incredibly important, and particularly to younger audiences, not only because she embarked on such an extraordinary adventure but because her life is testament to unwavering resilience, determination and a refusal to limited by others' expectations. I hope audiences leave inspired by her courage and connected to a humanised embodiment of who Mary was".
The show is available for general admission on 12 and 13 February. Standard tickets cost £14.
But a special performance will take place at 11.30am on 17 February and is free for young people aged 12-18, with space for their parents and guardians also available.
‘The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole’. 12-13 February, with a free performance for young people on 17 February. Book tickets here.
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