This July Kitty: Queen of the Washhouse heads to the Shakespeare North Playhouse.

he 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 highlights the importance of working within a community in a time when 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 in Liverpool selling out 1000 seats at the Grade 1 listed St Georges Hall then followed a tour of primary schools, including St. Vincent de Paul (the site of her original washhouse) and Broad Square – to over 650 primary school pupils, and a rural tour of Shropshire to 1,500. We engaged with 45,000 people online through our social media platforms.

This play will appeal to those who want to celebrate the life of a strong female character, it is suitable for all, from children aged 7 and above, right up to adults.

Ticket prices start from £3.00 per person.