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 Seacole’s 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.
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”.
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.
