Determined and stubborn, she was a real joy to play
– Actress Madeleine Worrall
Playing Sophia Jex-blake was a learning experience for actress Madeleine Worrall.
“It was a discovery for me as I’m always on the lookout for the countless women who have done interesting things and I tend to be good at spotting them,” said Edinburghborn Worrall, who has starred opposite Brian Cox and Kristin Scott Thomas on stage, and played the title role in the Royal National Theatre’s 2014 version of Jane Eyre. “I did know there were pioneering women who were determined to be doctors, but I wasn’t aware of her. It’s lovely to do a play where you learn something, rather than treading over familiar ground.
“I have brought her stubbornness to the fore. She was clearly a ruthlessly determined person and that isn’t often a trait in women that is received well. There always has been and continues to be an expectation that women should go about things with charm, which is quite frustrating, and there doesn’t seem to always be the same expectation of men.
“I didn’t feel she seemed to be the type of person who pays heed to that expectation, but she’s always aware of how people treated her – she’s clearly been rebuffed by a lot of people who found her threatening or challenging and she still kept going. That’s a remarkable character trait, I think.” Worrall, who also featured in the Paddington movie and on TV shows like Foyle’s War, Judge John Deed and Heartbeat, recorded the part from her London home. “All of the cast could see and hear each other on screen while we worked from home. This was the first thing I’d done since an episode of Call The Midwife but I hadn’t been in a room, virtual or otherwise, with a great group of actors since then, so this was a real joy.”
As was working with Frances Poet for the first time.
“She’s a brilliant playwright, a scrupulous researcher and a lovely person, which is always a delight,” Worrall added. “Being based in London, I’m always delighted when someone from Scotland asks me to do something.”