one4review | On 17, Aug 2024

Mermaids Performing Arts Fund brings us the captivating true story of ‘The Edinburgh Seven’. In 1869, Sophia Jex-Blake advertised for like-minded women to join her in applying to study for medicine at Edinburgh University. Six other women were brave enough to challenge the status quo and what follows is a tale of the misogynist behaviour of their male classmates, professors and the press,all attempting to thwart their dream of entering the medical profession. As a cohesive sisterhood, they endured the financial and educational hurdles deliberately put in place by the ruling patriarchy. They even had to fight through a riot to sit their anatomy exam, although the patriarchy had the final say when it came to the awarding of degrees.

This is an extremely well written play with fantastic dialogue and, coming in at only 50 minutes long, not a moment is wasted. The actors playing the three main characters – Sophia Jex-Blake, Isabel Thorne and Edith Pechey, are convincing in their roles and I could feel the righteous anger growing in the audience as the tale unfolded. If ever a play was meant to inspire young women, this is it and these seven dogged women certainly deserve their place in history – although it took 150 years for that to happen! A riveting lunchtime play which will appeal to all.

****1/2

Reviewed by Rona
Greenside@Riddles Court

12.40pm (50mins)

Until 24th August (not 18th)