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Presents
By Adele Cordner
The Story of Betsi Cadwaladr
Based on the Autobiography of Elizabeth Davis, a Balaclava Nurse
Dive into the remarkable tale of Betsi Cadwaladr, a name lost in the annals of history but not forgotten on the stage! In this gripping new play, written by Newport playwright Adele Cordner, witness the extraordinary life of a 19th-century Welsh woman whose adventures spanned continents and whose bravery helped reshape the course of wartime nursing history.
Join Her Story Theatre Company as we journey through Betsi’s captivating life story: from her humble beginnings in Wales to her globetrotting escapades in service, where she encountered fellow Welsh souls in the most unexpected corners of the world.
Journey alongside Betsi as she defies conventions and expectations, setting sail for the Crimean battlefield to heed the call of duty as a nurse. Along the way, she finds herself at odds with none other than Florence Nightingale herself, in a clash of wills that reverberates through the corridors of history.
Prepare to laugh, cry, and be swept away as Betsi’s indomitable spirit shines through in every scene. Through a tapestry of flashbacks and poignant interviews with her biographer, Betsi’s tale unfolds with heart-stopping excitement and tender humanity.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the triumphs and tribulations of a true trailblazer. Daughter of Bala promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Book your tickets now and join us on this unforgettable odyssey through the life of a woman whose indomitable, independent spirit cannot fail to inspire.
Saturday 8 March
Chepstow Drill Hall
Thursday 13 March
Glowyr Theatre/The Miners, Ammanford
Wednesday 19 March
Pontardawe Arts Centre
Thursday 20 March
Congress Theatre, Cwmbran
Thursday 10 April
Ffwrnes, Stiwdio Stepni, Llanelli
£15 /£12 for under 25’s and NHS
(Booking fees may apply)
Although Betsi died a pauper and her heroic work at the Crimean War hospitals was not recognised in her lifetime, her name is now proudly remembered by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the Royal College of Nursing Wales who organised her headstone and held a commemorative service at her graveside after Donna Mead OBE found her unmarked grave in Abney Park cemetery in London.
The RCN also holds a biennial Betsi Cadwaladr lecture to honour her memory.
Photo: Donna Mead and Tina Donnelly, former Director of RCN Wales, standing alongside the grave and headstone of Betsi Cadwaladr at Abney Park Cemetery.
Betsi Cadwaladr….Clare Drewett
Jane Williams….Adele Cordner
Mother Voice Over….Louise Farrant
Creatives
Director….Adele Cordner
Assistant Directors….Clare Drewett, Alison Gerrard, Linda Ward
Set Design….Linda Ward, Graeme Johnson
Costume Design….Becky Phillips, Vicki Hughes
Sound & Lighting Design….Rob Ollerton
Choreography….Vicki Hughes
Graphic Design….Andre Paul-Spring
Photography….Paul Johnson, Pixels In Time
Social Media….Michael Cordner, Tia Williams
Creative Advisors….Greg Ashton, Kevin Myers
Education Advisor….Anya Seymour
Welsh Language Translation/Advisors….Marc Carlton, Elinor Gwynn, Mair Williams, Margaret Peters, Susan Holmes, David Williams
Betsi Cadwaladr Research Advisor….Donna Mead OBE
We would like to thank our families and friends for supporting our inaugural production and the launch of our new theatre company. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Thanks to Donna Mead, Helen Whyley, Katie Branch, Abigail Curtis, Will Levatino and Royal College of Nursing Wales for their tremendous support of the play, from script development to inviting us to conferences and producing a fabulous promotional video.
Thanks to Admiral Community Chest for their generous financial donation.
Thanks also to: Liz Kayll, Doug Murdoch, Jennie Crum, Jennifer Stoves, Lindsey Doig, Keith Milward, Andy Howells, Tom Dyer, Jayne Thomas, Debbie Rowlands, Jamie Lee, Leah Roberts, Rhys Slade Jones, Nicky and Penny at The Melville, Charlie Royal, Michael Turner, Bethan Page, Sian Davenport and all our creative collaborators.
We are so grateful to you all for helping us to tell Betsi’s story.
