Remarkable – and often forgotten – women from history are lifted from the pages of Kate Pankhurst’s beloved picture book and brought gloriously to life on stage in FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD.
This is very much a family friendly show celebrating icons that changed the world!
This kick ass-pirational stage show, based on the popular children’s book by Suffragette relative Kate Pankhurst comes from one of the producers of SIX, which is always a sell-out favourite when it comes to town.
Join inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum. Along her journey she is surprised to meet the incredible wonder women: Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Mary Seacole, Marie Curie, Emmeline Pankhurst to name just a few.
From explorers to artists, scientists to secret agents, hear the stories of some of history’s strongest mothers, sisters and daughters; all independent icons who really did change the world. This empowering new stage show will be celebrated by anyone who is prepared to move and be moved, with characters and songs that pack a popstar punch!
There is a fantastically great cast heading our way. Jade will be played by Georgia Grant-Anderson (Secret Life of Boys, CBBC; Beauty and the Beast). Sacagawea / Frida Kahlo / Marie Curie will be played by Elena Breschi (Kindertransport, SIX). Jennifer Caldwell (SIX, Mamma Mia!) will be playing Emmeline Pankhurst / Agent Fifi / Miss Johnson. Chlöe Hart (Wicked, SIX) will be playing Gertrude Ederle / Jane Austen / Mary Anning. Leah Vassell (West Side Story, SIX) will be playing Amelia Earhart / Rosa Parks / Mary Seacole.
Millie Kiss (White Christmas), Summer Priest (Get Up Stand Up!, Heathers) and Rachel Seirian (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, A Christmas Carol, RSC) round out the cast.
Leah Vassell plays Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Mary Seacole and Miss Ashley. We asked her to tell us a bit about the show….
“Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is an inspiring, girl-power musical celebrating amazing women who have changed history as we know it, including Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, Jane Austen and many more!
I play Amelia Earhart, Mary Seacole, and Rosa Parks, and a few others!”
This must be one of those shows where you learn so many fun facts about these the inspiring women…..
“So many, especially because a lot of these women were simply not taught when I was at school! I’d never learnt about Mary Seacole for example, only Florence Nightingale. My favourite fact about her was that she was more than qualified to help with the Crimean War, as her dad was a soldier and her mother was a healer.
Another favourite fact is one about Gertrude Ederle – her coach, Jabez Wolffe, had attempted to swim the English channel 22 times and never made it, but she DID!”
Did any of the characters in the show resonate with you?
“I feel very connected to Rosa within the show. She has a very calm and peaceful temperament, but is so passionate with Jade when it comes to being proud of who you are.”
How important do you think it is that people – particularly young girls and women – see these incredible heroines represented and their stories told on stage?
“It is SO important! These women are literal proof that you can achieve your dreams, no matter your gender, race, heritage, sexuality, or disability. “
So, two things Leah, who are your favourite musical heroines, and who are the real life women who have inspired your life?
“Anita in West Side Story is an absolute icon. I’m also a BIG fan of Angelica and Eliza Schuyler from Hamilton, and Fanny Brice from Funny Girl.
And where do I begin with the real women? My mum, my nan (who is my BFF), my other best friend, (who is hilariously also called Leah), my late dance teacher Vicki-Jo, my agent Ellie, my ArtsEd singing teacher Ann – the list goes on! I also had a French teacher from high school called Mrs Grimes, who was an incredible French teacher, but also came and supported me in every local musical I did back in Rugby! To name a few!“
The show is clearly for everyone but what do you hope audiences take away from Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World?
“That it is never too late to change the world, follow your dreams, and live as your most authentic self – you are enough, and you are exactly where you belong!”
The music in the show is really – well, fantastic, and if you’re like us, a big fan of SIX, you will love this….
There’s an amazing creative team behind this uplifting stage show consists of renowned dramatist Chris Bush (multiple Olivier Award-winning Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre; Faustus: That Damned Woman, Headlong); with music by UK No.1 hit songwriter Miranda Cooper (Girls Aloud; Sugababes; Kylie Minogue), whose songs include Sound of the Underground, Round Round and The Promise; and Jennifer Decilveo (Miley Cyrus; Ben Platt) and live arrangements by Jen Green (Beverley Knight; Pixie Lott).
The director is Amy Hodge (Mr Gum and The Dancing Bear – The Musical!, National Theatre), designer Joanna Scotcher (Emilia, Shakespeare’s Globe/Vaudeville Theatre), choreographer Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe (Dick Whittington, the National Theatre), lighting designer Zoe Spurr (Emilia, Shakespeare’s Globe/Vaudeville Theatre), sound designer Carolyn Downing (Summer & Smoke, Almeida/Duke of York’s Theatre) and co-sound designer Rob Bettle (Frozen: The Musical, Billy Elliott, UK tour; One Man, Two Guvnors, Theatre Royal Haymarket).
FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD gets to the Wales Millennium Centre next month from Wednesday 17th through to Sunday 21st January. Performances re at 7pm on Wednesday and 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There’s a 4pm show on Friday and Saturday and 3pm on the Sunday afternoon.
Tickets are from £15, with discounts available for members, groups, under 16s, students. For more details and to get yours, go HERE.
Age guidance: 7+ (no under 2s)
