This is a totally charming play setting the record straight decades after the death of Betsi Cadwaladr, who did such wonderful work that was never given the credit for as a nurse during the Crimean War. While everyone has heard of Florence Nightingale, no one had heard of Betsi, until her book was uncovered by Welsh playright Adele Cordner, who turned her story into a play. It’s fair to say Adele was angered when she found out that Betsi had been effectively written out of history and her good work blanked out.
Clare Drewitt, another Welsh lady, plays the part of Betsi in this delightful offering set in an intimate venue at the Radisson Blu hotel, and it was a joy from start to finish. Clare acted her socks off and within seconds of her coming on stage you knew that for the next hour and a bit she really believed she was Betsi. A very convincing piece of acting and Adele, who had her work cut out playing multiple parts just as convincingly, was the icing on the cake of the play.
The costumes were great, there was a lot of humour that made you grin from ear to ear and the story was beautifully acted out in front of a very appreciative audience – the bonus for all who came to watch it was that they were very close to the stage and could enjoy this production intimately, something you wouldn’t normally get at a theatre. I hope that this play sprouts wings and finds a bigger platform in the future. It is clearly a labour of love for the two ladies and the team at Her Story Theatre Company and I wish them every success with this.
