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Ludlow Lecture Series
Ludlow Lecture Series
3 November 2026 Ludlow Assembly Rooms 10am
3 November 2026 Ludlow Assembly Rooms 10am
Katherine Plymley - A life on paper
Katherine Plymley - A life on paper
Katherine Plymley (1758-1829) was a south Shropshire diarist whose journals contain fascinating accounts of her travels, connections with significant people of the day, and her close involvement with the Abolition movement. The first part of the talk will explore her life and times with illustrations. The second half will be performed in character, using the words of Katherine herself.
Tickets £5 on the door, or visit here to see other lectures and combine your booking.
Aggie
Aggie
The life and adventures of Dame Agnes Hunt, adapted from her memoirs and performed by Alison Utting
Saturday 5 Dec 2026 2.30pm
Saturday 5 Dec 2026 2.30pm
Oswestry Community Centre, Lorne Street
Oswestry Community Centre, Lorne Street
Agnes Hunt began writing her life story to amuse Sir Robert Jones in his last illness; nothing less would have persuaded her to put pen to paper. Her story is astounding. Crippled with multiple complex disabilities herself, she refused to let limitations of health or gender define her. Seen as ‘too young, and much too lame’ for the nursing profession, she went on to co-found one of the most prestigious hospitals in the world and establish the practice of orthopaedic nursing.
From Shropshire to Tasmania, from Aggie’s indomitable mother to a boisterous escaped patient, follow Aggie’s adventures as Alison brings this incredible story to vivid life. Scattered with enjoyable characters and almost-unbelievable events, both tragic and hilarious, this performance is one to remember.
“Absolutely excellent. What a way to hear about Dame Agnes Hunt!”
“We were entranced from start to finish. Much laughter, and a few tears welling up too.”
"Alison really is Agnes Hunt… A fascinating story, told in the best dramatic style."
The performance lasts for one hour followed by Q&A.
Refreshments will be available, donations to the Community Centre.
Books will be on sale (cash only).
Click here for tickets.
Aggie
Aggie
The life and adventures of Dame Agnes Hunt, adapted from her memoirs and performed by Alison Utting
Saturday 9 January 2027 - evening
Saturday 9 January 2027 - evening
The Orbit, Wellington
The Orbit, Wellington
Booking link available soon
Becoming Hesba
Becoming Hesba
The life and career of Hesba Stretton, written and performed by Alison Utting.
Belmont Hall, Wellington
Saturday 20 February 2027 2.30pm
All Stretton Village Hall
Saturday 27 February 2027 2.30pm
When Hesba Stretton died in 1911, she was a world-renowned author and her books could be found in almost every household. From humble beginnings as Sara Smith, the Wellington postmaster’s daughter, her career as a professional writer began when her sister secretly sent one of her stories to Charles Dickens. He demanded more – and the world soon knew her name.
Hesba’s most popular novel, Jessica’s First Prayer, outsold Alice in Wonderland nearly ten times over! Yet today she is largely forgotten, her style of writing no longer suited to our literary appetites. You might expect a strait-laced spinster - but Hesba’s logbooks reveal a strong-minded, highly intelligent and amusing woman who succeeded in carving a place for herself in a world dominated by men.
Hesba did not crave publicity, but she did later use her influence and energy to help found the NSPCC, establishing protections for the vulnerable, suffering children who inspired and populated her novels.
‘Becoming Hesba’ draws on Hesba’s own writings - both her log books and her fiction - to bring this forgotten Shropshire woman to life, in a costumed theatrical presentation from the creator of ‘Aggie’.
PREMIERE PERFORMANCES
This performance is being premiered at Wellington, where Hesba was born and grew up, and All Stretton, where she spent many happy years and holidays (and from where she took her adopted surname).
Click here to book for these performances.
Katherine Plymley - A Life on Paper
Katherine Plymley - A Life on Paper
Tuesday 13 July 7.30pm
Theatre Severn (Walker Theatre)
Katherine Plymley (1758-1829) was a south Shropshire diarist whose journals contain fascinating accounts of her travels, connections with significant people of the day, and her close involvement with the Abolition movement. The first part of the talk will explore her life and times with illustrations. The second half will be performed in character, using the words of Katherine herself.
Booking link available soon
If you are hosting one of my talks or performances that will be open to the public,
please let me know and I will share details here.
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