The Female Warrior
Swan Theatre, Worcester, September 19 – 21
The story of Hannah Snell, the 18th Century Worcester-born woman who disguised herself as a soldier so that she could find her husband who had been sent to the wars by John Phillpott (Worcester-based author and journalist).
A Midlands author and journalist has penned a play about an 18th-century woman who disguised herself as a soldier to find her lover, who had been sent to war. Hannah Snell, born in Worcester, enlisted in the British Army disguised as a man, and remarkably, her gender was never discovered, even after being wounded in battle multiple times. On one occasion, she removed a musket ball from her groin with a bayonet to avoid detection.
Writer John Phillpott was inspired by Snell’s story, particularly after learning that his daughter once lived in the Worcester building where Snell was born. Phillpott’s play, The Female Warrior, reimagines Snell’s life, starting with her time in the Bedlam Lunatic Asylum in London, where a broadside seller—an early form of journalist—seeks her story.
Hannah Snell’s tale is one of extraordinary courage and defiance against the misogyny of her era, making her a trailblazer for women. Phillpott, who began his journalism career in 1965, has written for various publications and authored several books. He’s also a musician, skilled in guitar, ukulele, and harmonica.
John is married to Cheryl and the couple live in Worcester. They have two grown-up children and two grandchildren.
The Female Warrior is onstage at the Swan Theatre, Worcester from Thursday, September 19, to Saturday, September 21.
There will be five shows, two of them matinees. For more details visit the Worcester Theatres website or call the box office on 01905 611427