Elizabeth’s tale is being finally told

A SCOTS WOMAN who carved a career in a man’s world is the heroine of an unusual theatrical production coming to Perthshire.

The Chelsea Belladonna is an outdoor production touring six Scottish gardens, including venues in Alyth and Blair Atholl.

The play tells the story of the life of 18th century Aberdeen-born botanical artist Elizabeth Blackwell.

A collaboration between Square Peg Productions – a Yorkshire-based theatre company – and Stellar Quines Theatre Company of Edinburgh, the production will be in Perthshire next month.

Chairwoman of Square Peg Productions, Amanda Dalton, said: “We folk from the north of England will be making our own significant contribution to theYear of Creative Scotland 2012.

“After August, when Elizabeth Blackwell is revealed to them, the people of Scotland will be able to treasure this remarkable woman as their own.”

Elizabeth Blackwell became a lauded Scottish identity within her sphere, though for the rest of the world she remained unsung.

Born at the dawn of the 18th century, she eloped with her reckless young husband Alexander from her home in Aberdeen to London.

However, Alexander found himself in a debtors’ prison and Elizabeth resolved to raise the cash needed to free her husband by herself.

After much clever scheming she embarked on the creation and illustration of A Curious Herbal. On publication, the book helped release Elizabeth’s husband and became the apothecaries’bible both in Britain and abroad and making Elizabeth’s name forever within British botanical history.

The production is directed by Wendy Seager and stars Irene Allan and Kenny Blyth.

The Perthshire venues for The Chelsea Belladonna are Lands of Loyal Hotel, Alyth, on Sunday August 5 and Monday August 6 and Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, on Thursday August 9.

Performances are outdoor, twice daily at 11am and 3pm.

A scene from The Chelsea Belladonna, which tells the tale of Aberdeen woman Elizabeth Blackwell, who became a famous 18th Century botanical artist.