Solo theatre show explores the legacy of Florence Nightingale

Songwriter and performer Louise Jordan connects Florence’s work in the 19th century with the issues we continue to face today.

Solo production Florence: the lesser known life and legacy of Florence Nightingale comes to Waterside in Sale on Friday 15th October. Through song and storytelling Louise puts the myth of ‘the Lady with the Lamp’ under the spotlight and explores Florence Nightingale’s work as a pioneering statistician who used data to call for government accountability, demanding equal healthcare for all.

Louise said of Florence: “Florence Nightingale spent less than two years as a nurse during the Crimean War, yet she lived to the age of ninety. Whilst researching the production I was astounded at the volume and breadth of Florence’s work – she spent decades campaigning for social reform worldwide.

At a time when women weren’t entitled to vote Florence used every tool at her disposal to achieve change that impacted people living in poverty around the globe. I want this show to bring Florence Nightingale to life as a three-dimensional human and to consider how legends, myths are legacies are created. Why are Florence Nightingale’s extraordinary and wide ranging achievements so often overlooked? Who decides how our shared cultural heritage is passed on?”

Florence explores themes which sit at the heart of all of Louise’s work – equality, representation and

social justice. The production was due to tour in May 2020 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, but due to Covid restrictions, Louise instead marked the occasion by releasing an album of the nine songs featured in the performance. She has just released a music video for one of these songs – Pedestal. The song explores themes which sit at the heart of all Louise’s work – equality, representation and social justice.

Florence comes to Waterside, Sale Friday 15th October at 20:00

www.watersidearts.org/florence