Review: SOPHIA, Pitlochry Festival Theatre & Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh with Naked Productions – Sound Stage

A new play by Frances Poet, Sophia tells the story of Sophia Jex-Blake, the first practising female doctor in Scotland.  A woman who in 1869 applied for admission to the Medical Faculty of the University of Edinburgh.  She was rejected on the grounds that the University could not make the necessary arrangements for only one lady!  Sophia’s determination was not going to end there.

Directed by Janys Chambers. it’s a woman’s story of stubbornness and the inability to give up.  The motivation to become a doctor stemming from losing her own baby, but this story is far from morbid.  It has many light hearted and jovial moments, and scenes are interspersed with original music by singer/songwriter Nicolette Macleod.

Like many female figures in history, a strong belief that a woman has the right to the same education and employment as a man is never going to be an easy path.  Having the intelligence and fierce loyalty to her peers is all that is needed to begin the fight.

With a strong female cast led by Madeleine Worrall as Sophia Jex-Blake, alongside Natalie Grady (Ursula DuPre), Fletcher Mathers (Margaret Todd) and Elizabeth Poet (May Thorne) amongst others, the creative side also includes Assistant Director Emily Ingram and Sound Recordist Sara Mattinson.  It quite successfully proves Jex-Blake’s point.

Sophia is an inspiring story and an informative, historical insight into one woman’s journey.  

***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Sophia is available on Sound Stage from 27 – 29 August.