Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World – The Grand, Pleasance Courtyard

Based upon the award-winning book by Kate Pankhurst descendant of the great suffragette, Emmeline Pankhurst, this musical tells the story of inspirational women from the past, who act as a guiding light for any girl or young woman of today.

Beginning with an upbeat number, which is sure to strike a chord with children and parents alike, this group of very cool teachers share their everyday frustrations in this slick, witty opening song.

Set in a museum, schoolgirl Jade (Kudzai Mangombe) has been separated from her school party and is lost.  Frustrated that she feels that she has not be missed by anyone, she opens up about her parents impending divorce, and that she always tries hard at school, but she that in spite of this, she still feels invisible.  Hearing her plea, the fantastically great women arrive to lend their support.

The opening ladies are – Amelia Earhart (Renee Lamb) the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean; Gertrude Ederle (Christina Modestou) Olympic medal winner and the first woman to swim the channel, beating the men’s record by nearly 2 hours and Sacagawea (Jade Kennedy) an interpreter and trapper who guided the Clark and Lewis Expedition.  These first three amazing women, tell their story which leads on to Emmeline Pankhurst (Kirstie Skivington) the famous suffragette, delivering her inspirational words ‘well behaved women rarely make history’!

Later in the show, the cast add further names to the inspirational women list, and the high energy dance songs add an uplifting feel to the show.  For the younger generation, this show provides a cool history lesson on how tough it was for women of previous generations to be heard, and to be given credit for their achievements.  It is delivered is such a way that there is never a dull moment, the songs are catchy, the singing is perfect, and the dance moves are so well choreographed, that the auditorium is filled with a feeling of joyous energy.  I must also mention the array of costumes, the costume department should receive their own round of applause.

Congratulations to the writers, cast and creatives that have shaped this play into a magnificent, colourful, inspirational show, which is suitable for a family audience (recommended for children aged 7+). 

Do not miss out on this family experience.  The show runs until the 29th August at The Grand at Pleasance Courtyard.  To book tickets go to – https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22Fantastically%20Great%20Women%20Who%20Changed%20The%20World%22   

Reviewer: Caroline Worswick

Reviewed: 11th August 2022

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★