THE ACADEMY
OF MELANCHOLY
by Charlotte O'Leary
Performed in the Old Operating Theatre, Southwark
Performed in the Old Operating Theatre, Southwark
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London. 1824. Determined to keep her penniless family out of the workhouse, Margaret is forced to begin working as a nurse at the Old St Thomas’ Hospital. Long before the formation of the NHS and the use of anaesthesia, the poverty-stricken patients have little say over their brutal and excruciatingly painful treatments. Horrified by the screams echoing across the hospital Margaret dons a doctor’s coat, disguises herself as a male medical student, and creeps inside the operating theatre. Discovering a room full of blood thirsty students and, showman Dr Edwards unnecessarily performing one of his famous amputations, she has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. Performed in the oldest operating theatre in Europe, join Margaret on her journey to become one of London’s groundbreaking surgeons. |
photography by Mark Duffield
TEAMProducing Director............. Guy Watson
Finance............................... Monika Hazelton Writer.................................. Charlotte O'Leary Designer............................. Susan Watson Marketing Team................. Beth Lyne Alice Massey Assistant Director......... Maia von Hurter Graphic Designer................ Vic Hill Box Office Management.... TicketWeb CASTFlossie Donamal................. Nadine Barr
Dr Willberforce Haighton... Oliver Longstaff Dr Edwards.......................... Damien Lyne Margaret Brownell .......... Louisa-May Parker Composer and Violinst ....... Olivia Warren |
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What people thought...
"My friend and I absolutely loved it! The incredible venue, just for a start! Your play is unique on so many levels. We both enjoyed the gentle humour set against the rather macabre subject matter. I think your cast of actors was superb. We both agreed that the violin was almost a narrator in itself and was completely essential to the process of the story. |
"Sheer brilliance!"
"A unique experience, a fascinating and brilliantly directed show. The props were amazing. Such a shame that this has had such a short run. Superb museum too!" "Just wanted to say myself and my friend loved the play, the actors did a fantastic job and the lady on the violin was a brilliant touch. Loved it." "It was completely excellent!!" "Excellent, amusing, entertaining and superbly acted. Great production." "Brilliant. Great fun but historically interesting too!" "I wish I could come back tomorrow!" "Wonderfully conceived and superbly executed" "Brilliant, funny and fab venue" "What a great night it was!" "Triumphant first night at the Old Operating Theatre." "Well done for such an incredible piece of work and for all of the hard work you put into it to get it there" |
how to find the old operating theatre museum
The Old Operating Theatre, 9a St. Thomas's St. London SE1 9RY
UNDERGROUND & MAINLINE RAIL STATION
London Bridge (Northern & Jubilee Lines)
BUS & TAXI
London Bridge
17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 343, 381, 521, RV1
London Bridge (Northern & Jubilee Lines)
BUS & TAXI
London Bridge
17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 343, 381, 521, RV1
We are very grateful to Young's for their support
