It’s break a leg from all of us here Somerville as our students and alumni head northwards to the stages of the Edinburgh fringe to perform variously a one woman show on the life of Eleanor Roosevelt and a new LGBTQ+ drama.
Actor and alumna Alison Skilbeck (Modern Languages) and students Lily Sheldon (2020, History) and Agnes Halladay (2020, English) feature in a festival now restored to its full glory after a downscaled pandemic-hit year in 2021.
Alison Skilbeck will be performing her critically acclaimed one woman show, Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London. Written by and starring Alison and directed by Lucy Skilbeck (no relation!), the play draws on newspaper columns and specially-granted access to Eleanor’s diary to tell the story of a passionate humanitarian visiting London in the midst of war, who never allowed anything to challenge her belief in the human spirit.
Mrs Roosevelt Flies To London shows at 10:25 from August 4-14 at Assembly George Square Studios, Studio Five (venue 17).
Co-written by Somerville student Lily Sheldon and featuring the acting talents of Agnes Sheldon, new LGBTQ+ drama Hands and Flowers explores the nature of communication and connection by presenting two seemingly unconnected stories that suddenly and explosively intersect.
Hands and Flowers shows at 14:40 from 23-27 August at TheSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall, Theatre 1 (Venue 53).
We hope if you’re heading to the fringe this week that you’re able to catch them in action!