History has a way of losing its women, brushing their stories aside for centuries. Lady Montagu Unveiled at King’s Head Theatre digs into that neglect and dusts off one of its most fascinating figures: Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the high-society wit and champion of smallpox inoculation. Thesy Surface takes the spotlight in this one-woman show, pulling us through scandal, science, and rebellion with a mix of charm and defiance.
From her first steps on stage, Surface feels like a performer having the time of her life, and that joy is infectious. Her Lady Mary is playful and provocative – a woman aware of the limitations of her time but too clever to be restrained by them. Director Julia Sopher keeps the storytelling brisk, letting Surface’s energy carry us effortlessly through Lady Mary’s exploits, from Turkish travels to polite society uproar. There’s a wry humour in the show’s delivery, a wink to the audience that Lady Mary’s fight is as relevant now as it was then.
A witty reclamation of a heroine who refused to play by history’s rules.
There’s something refreshing about a production that lets a performer and a story speak so clearly. Stripped of distractions, the focus remains on Surface’s charisma and the remarkable woman she brings to life. Lady Mary’s achievements – pioneering smallpox inoculation long before its acceptance in the West, writing letters that spanned continents, and challenging societal norms – are recounted with both reverence and cheekiness. It’s a balance that ensures the show feels modern while keeping history at its heart.
The production is simple and effective, focusing all attention where it belongs: on the words and their delivery. A sparse set allows Surface’s performance to breathe, though at times it feels like the pacing skips over some of Lady Mary’s emotional complexities. Her struggles – with power, gender, and legacy – are hinted at but not always fully explored, leaving a slight gap between the sharp wit and the heart underneath. These moments could have been given more weight, especially in how Lady Mary’s accomplishments were often undermined by those around her. Still, Surface is magnetic enough to carry those moments, ensuring the story remains alive, urgent, and full of spark.
What stands out most is how accessible the production makes Lady Mary’s story. Surface doesn’t simply tell history; she invites the audience into Lady Mary’s world, creating an intimate connection that transcends time. There’s a delightful sense of rebellion throughout, as if Lady Mary herself is peering out at us, laughing at the absurdity of the barriers she refused to accept. It’s storytelling that respects its subject while never taking itself too seriously, a tricky balance that the production strikes beautifully.
Final Thoughts ★★★★
Would I recommend Lady Montagu Unveiled? Without hesitation. Thesy Surface brings Lady Mary roaring back to life, a long-lost heroine reintroduced with wit, heart, and just the right amount of scandal. It’s a reminder of how easily history forgets women – and how satisfying it is when their stories are finally told. A charming, clever performance that leaves Lady Mary’s voice ringing out long after the final words are spoken. The result is a production that feels both intimate and timeless, a small but mighty reclamation of a woman who refused to be forgotten.
Playing at the Kings Head Theatre until 15 December 2024.
Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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