Theatre review: The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole
The life of Mary Seacole, the Jamaican-Scottish entrepreneur, Crimean War medic and contemporary of Florence Nightingale, is an undeniably fascinating one, and related with warm charisma by Cleo Sylvestre.
Star rating: **
Venue: C Nova (Venue 145)
Yet it’s not very dynamic – just a potted history of her exploits, drawn from her autobiography and therefore lacking any additional context Seacole may have been remiss in providing herself. The relationship between her British Army soldier father and “doctress” mother, for example, is glossed over.
Good content for an afternoon radio play, perhaps, but not when the world’s most exciting arts festival is taking place outside the door.
Until 29 August. Today 6:10pm.