Five great plays…celebrating remarkable women from history

1. The Gift by Janice Okoh

Cast: 4-7f, 2m

Synopsis: This boldly theatrical and complex play about imperialism, cultural appropriation (and tea) dramatizes the story of Sarah Bonetta, a Yoruba princess who was adopted by Queen Victoria and raised in English high society. The Gift premiered at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry in January 2020, followed by a UK tour – including a run at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, London – in a co-production between Eclipse Theatre Company and the Belgrade Theatre.

Why it's great for your students: Contrasting her life in 19^th-century Britain with ongoing prejudices towards black people today, it provides rich opportunities for cross-curricular discussion, study and performance. Metro described it as ‘a bold exploration of black Britishness that is as agonising as it is funny.’

2. Boudica by Tristan Bernays

Cast: 7f, 7m, doubling

Synopsis: 61 AD, Britannia. On the furthest outreaches of the Roman Empire – at the very edge of the known world – rebellion is brewing. The King of the Iceni has died and his widow, Boudica, has tried to claim her rightful throne, only to be banished from her homeland. But now, Queen Boudica has returned, and this time she has an army. She will have revenge. She will have blood. She will make Rome quake in fear.

Why it's great for your students: A thrilling play in verse about one of Britain's most iconic women, Boudica premiered at Shakespeare's Globe, London, in 2017, and the Evening Standard described it as ‘audacious, inventive and vivid. A play in which women get to do the exciting stuff.’

3. Lizzie Siddal by Jeremy Green

Cast: 2-3f, 4-8m

Synopsis: A gripping historical drama charting one woman's dazzling trajectory from model, to lover, to artist, to a tragic figure in her own right. It is London, 1849, and Lizzie Siddal is plucked from the obscurity of a bonnet shop to model for the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood – an intoxicating group of young painters bent on revolutionising the Victorian art world. Inspired by their passion and ambition, she throws herself headlong into their lives and their art, nearly dying in the creation of Millais' Ophelia. The painting is a triumph, but Lizzie wants more and dares to dream of being an artist herself.

Why it's great for your students: The Evening Standard described it as ‘Fascinating. [It tackles] the still-relevant issue of how women's artistic achievements are often overshadowed by men's'.’

4. Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale

Cast: 5-7f, 7m

Synopsis: An exhilarating take on the heady world of Restoration theatre and the story of one of its most colourful characters, from the writer of the widely studied and performed Blue Stockings.

Set in London in 1660, King Charles II has exploded onto the scene with a love of all things loud, extravagant and sexy. At Drury Lane, a young Nell Gwynn is causing stirrings amongst the theatregoers. This acclaimed play charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley to her success as Britain's most celebrated actress, and her hard-won place in the heart of the King. At a time when women are second-class citizens, can her charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the Court?

Why it's great for your students: With a host of larger-than-life characters, and none larger than Nell herself, Time Out London described the play as ‘superbly funny. A juicy, well-wrought thing of great fun, a wonderfully layered celebration of theatre, but most of all an apt homage to a woman incredibly ahead of her time.’

5. Glory on Earth by Linda McLean

Cast: 7f 1m, doubling (1f 1m and a chorus to play 12+ roles)

Synopsis: Set in Scotland in the 1560s, this witty, compelling play focuses on an eighteen-year-old Mary, Queen of Scots, and her rivalry with the radical cleric and protestant reformer, John Knox. Both believe themselves beloved by their people. Both were exiled and returned home, but only one can make Scotland their own.

Why it's great for your students: First seen at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, in 2017, Glory on Earth features a female chorus who play the majority of the roles, as well as dividing up Mary's lines as the company sees fit. The Herald described it as ‘A story crying out to be told. A call to arms for young women everywhere.’

All of these plays are published and licensed for performance by Nick Hern Books. Save 30% on these and hundreds of other great drama resources when you order direct at www.nickhernbooks.co.uk and enter discount code DAT30 at checkout.