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Our Kitty is coming home
The play “KITTY: Queen of the Washhouse” is one that celebrates one of our own famed Liverpudlians, Kitty Wilkinson (1786–1860), whose community efforts for public hygiene helped stem the outbreak of cholera, leading to the opening of the first combined washhouse and public baths in the United Kingdom. A pioneer that many people know of but may not comprehend her dramatic life story. It will highlight the importance of working within a community in a time where more and more people are becoming socially isolated. Technologically we can connect with people on the other side of the world, yet we sometimes don't talk to our closest neighbours.
In 2019 the play was performed here in Liverpool in Schools, including St. Vincent de Paul the site of her original washhouse and Broad Square - to over 1500 primary school pupils, 2 standing ovations in the small concert room and a rural tour. 3032 theatregoers are all better informed about the great lady and hopefully inspired.
Now we are bringing the production back! And will go on to perform in London and New York City.
This play will appeal to those who want to see a strong female character, it is suitable for all, from children aged 7 and above right up to adults.
The piece will be told by KITTY’s statue, come to life as a friendly ghost. It is a highly animated portrayal and physical performance, as KITTY relays her fascinating 'against all odds' story of how she has become the only female statue in St George's Hall. The audiences will leave with KITTY’s "I can" philosophy. They might also accept her challenge to help get more female statues in St George's Hall and gardens!
History lovers, local, national and international, feminists, those from Irish backgrounds and Liverpudlians will all have a natural connection with this theatre piece. We want people to feel like they understand how Liverpool was in the 1830s. We want them to feel like they have totally immersed in Kitty’s life story and have a deeper understanding of the political, social climate she lived in. We want them to feel inspired at how Kitty kept on going when faced with adversity. We want her resilience to serve as a catalyst to inspire people to be the best version of themselves and to take a little bit of Kitty’s attitude away with them from the evening.
ArtsGroupie, has previously produced plays for the Shiny New Festival, WriteNow Festival and Manchester Pride. Our company champions, local social history and the LGBTQA+ community.
“It’s not just HIS story it’s also HER story.”
Our aim is for KITTY to be the first of a series of historical 'scouse' women based plays, whose life stories will be retold to new audiences. Each tale demonstrating the extraordinary strength of these women and their impact on our society. We hope to nurture an audience that will come back and see ArtsGroupie productions and recognise the production company as an authoritative voice for unsung or nearly forgotten female historical figures.
