Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World

July 30, 2024

23rd July – 8th September 2024

“Are they playing Roar by Katie Perry?”, I asked my sister as we walked into The Other Palace Theatre in Victoria.

“I think so”, she replied, setting the tone for a riotous yet poignant evening. Now, given the show is called Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World, I can’t say I’m surprised, but the catchy songs, fabulous costumes, and laugh-out-loud moments exceeded my expectations.

Inspired by Kate Pankhurst’s Fantastically Great Women series, the 80-minute-long production is returning to London for a seven-week run, following two successful UK tours and summer sessions at Theatre Royal Stratford East and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“…Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is tremendous fun. And that’s all thanks to Miranda Cooper’s brilliant lyrics and Audra Cramer, Nicola T. Chang, and Isis Dunthorne’s first-rate performances”

Before we meet the likes of Amelia Earhart, Mary Anning, and my new personal hero, Gertrude Ederle, we meet four frazzled teachers struggling to keep tabs on their class. So many of us can think of a fantastically great teacher who changed our little world, and it was a well thought out stepping stone to kick off the show.

That’s when we meet Jade (Georgia Grant-Anderson) who prides herself on being good and doing what she’s told. Except, she wants to shout in a library, go to a fancy party and pop all the balloons, and then shave off half her hair.

With the guidance of Amelia Earhart, Sacagawea, Gertrude Ederle, Emmeline Pankhurst, Jane Austen, Frida Kahlo, Agent Fifi, Mary Seacole, Mary Anning, Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, and Anne Frank, who Elena Breschi, Meg Hateley, Charlotte Jaconelli, and Anelisa Lamola bring to life with such talent, determination, and optimism, Jade isn’t the only one who is inspired.

As Kate Pankhurst wrote: “This show will stay with you, leave you walking a little taller and overflowing with inspiration to change the world just a little bit with your own talents and dreams”.

At the root of it, that’s exactly what each of these women set out to do. It takes time and many of these women didn’t receive the recognition they deserved in their lifetime. Yet, centuries on, they are respected as trailblazers of their industries and are still part of popular discourse.

Above all, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is tremendous fun. And that’s all thanks to Miranda Cooper’s brilliant lyrics and Audra Cramer, Nicola T. Chang, and Isis Dunthorne’s first-rate performances, towering above the stage in neon-yellow boxes.

During the confetti-filled ensemble, every single person in the theatre was on their feet dancing and singing along, as inspiration filled the room. Receiving a standing ovation to such a degree is no small feat, and it is a testament to the talented team who have worked tirelessly to bring the pages of Kate Pankhurst’s books to the stage.

So, don’t wait for a rainy day. It’s one for the whole family and tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so make sure to get yours sooner rather than later.