Alma Tavern & Theatre hosts one woman show inspired by Irish nurses during World War II

Following an acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe run, Moon Rabbit Theatre will be bringing their poignant one woman show to the Alma Tavern & Theatre on February 28, for a three night run.

Written by Joshua King and performed by actor and comedian Jasmin Gleeson, The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness is inspired by the true stories of Irish nurses during World War II.

The protagonist, McGuinness, is a nurse, recruited – albeit reluctantly – to assist the British war effort, who subsequently struggles to find space for her more creative impulses as a poet, in times of conflict.

Jasmin Gleeson in The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness, Moon Rabbit Theatre – photo: Mann Bros Media

King joined Bristol24/7 to share some insights on how the character first began to emerge, and why she has made such an impact on audiences.

The play was inspired by the Irish nurses of World War II. Can you explain how the character of Philomena first took shape?

“Jasmin and I were eager to create a one-woman show together, and we knew we wanted it to appeal to a wide range of audience members, from young to old. An unconventional and overlooked historical character seemed an exciting way to bridge these demographics, and Jasmin happened to be reading about Irish nurses at the time.

“As I started to research more, I came upon endless archived diaries and stories from Irish women who had moved to Britain either before or during the war to become nurses. As well as having a unique insight into the war as outsiders (not only as Irish people, but as women, too), the nurses were full of humour and passion, and their characters were immediately engaging.

“With this as a foundation, the character’s voice came from drawing on my own struggles and thoughts about the nature of chasing a creative passion against a headwind, and, of course, Jasmin’s invaluable contribution as a comedian and multifaceted artist. These things combined brought the character to life, and allowed her to realistically represent a genuine ageless struggle that all creatives can relate to.”

Can you describe the working process between yourself and Jasmin, in bringing Philomena to life?

“Any success Moon Rabbit has had is down to the really great, mutually beneficial working relationship Jasmin and I have. For Philomena, the idea was something both of us were eager to explore, and so once that decision was made, I took a few months to research and work on the script. When that was done, I gave it to Jasmin and she began to create the character and bring the play to life.

“Being a stand-up comedian and a great comedic actress, Jasmin managed to turn what could have been a typical historical drama into a lively, exciting and funny show. We both enjoy the process so much because dividing the creativity like this means we can both play to our strengths, and both feel creatively satisfied.”

Show poster for The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness – photo: Joshua King

How does it feel to be touring the play around, following a successful Edinburgh Fringe run?

“When we first performed the show, we were pleased to just be selling a ticket or two. But then, as word spread and the feedback became more and more positive, we were overjoyed. After our run, a few venues asked us if we would like to perform the show again, and thanks to our wonderful audiences, we knew that there would be people out there eager to see it. Moon Rabbit is just Jasmin and myself, so being able to perform it again and for Philomena to have struck a chord with people is such a great pleasure.”

What is your personal take on the central question of the play? Can we remain true to the creativity within, when we might be constrained by outward circumstance?

“My answer to this could change day to day, depending on how cynical I’m feeling. I don’t believe personal creativity, in whatever form you use it, can be crushed by any external force, because it is innate and part of us. But I think having a reason to use your own creativity – whether it’s a letter confessing your love, being paid to paint a portrait, or just to stop yourself going mad – is the thing that keeps your passion for it alive.

“A war, for example, can’t take creativity away from people, but it can certainly temporarily take away your reasons to nurture and enjoy and use it. Or rather, it can dramatically change your reasons for being creative, which might take time for you to discover. If, like Philomena, you are a poet writing for fun, a war could change the reason from fun to hope, or desire, or self-discovery. Big changes in outward circumstance might just require creatives to recalibrate a little to find a new truth to work towards, and a new reason to work towards it. My answer is different to Philomena’s, however, so don’t listen to me. Come and see her much more passionate and honest take on this huge, human question.”

Do you have other historical figures in mind for future Moon Rabbit adaptations?

“Yes, as a matter of fact, we are currently working on our next show, which we’ll be performing at Greenside at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023. Staying with the theme of creative historical women, the next show is about a 19th-century artist’s model in Paris who becomes a painter.

“It was inspired by Victorine Meurent, a Parisian artist’s model and painter herself, and is about what happens when a woman who has only ever been looked at is given the opportunity to see for herself. After that, we hope to carry on telling empowering historical stories like these, drawing from different eras and genres.”

The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness is at The Alma Tavern and Theatre on February 28-March 1 at 8pm. Tickets are available from www.tickettailor.com.

Main photo: Amandin Photography

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