Historically, whenever we think about the Crimean War, the first person that automatically comes into our heads is Florence Nightingale, The Lady of the Lamp. During the Crimean War, she treated so many soldiers and provided comfort to those who needed it. What you may not know is that there was someone else who also volunteered her services as a nurse during this time, but was overshadowed by history. Her name was Mary Seacole. Born in Jamaica in 1805, Seacole learned traditional herbal remedies from her mother, who was a skilled ‘doctress’ in natural herbs and other natural methods in order to heal all her patients. When Seacole travelled to the UK and volunteered her services for the Crimean War and beyond, she took her mother’s skills and put them to work. Sadly, due to her race, she was overlooked, judged for her skin colour, and more. Due to the focus on Nightingale, history has pushed her to the back of the bookshelf.
The Rosemary Branch Theatre has launched a very special play that was originally made popular by Cleo Sylvestre, who was the very first black actress to perform at the National Theatre in a lead role. She created The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole in order to highlight the work of this wonderful woman and get her more into the spotlight. As it is Black History Month, the theatre has brought back this dynamic one-woman show after 14 years of being away from the stage. In more recent times, Mary Seacole has finally been recognised for all her achievements during the Crimean War, but thanks to the brilliant team, including directors Sophia Wolfenden and Maria Souza, Seacole’s legend lives on.
Daniella Pollendine adapted the original text as well as performed the lady herself. Taking on such a role as Mary Seacole is no ordinary feat, but Pollendine executed the role in a way that became vibrant, insightful, honest and heartfelt. It felt as if we were having an intimate moment with her, as well as being swept up into the reality of what she had to face. The usage of a simple bare empty stage with a focus on the more simple props, such as suitcases, a broken chandelier, as well as some material to indicate different locations alongside some of the most effective lighting and sound used, became a platform to really focus on the story rather than all the fripperies that we would normally expect from a special production such as this one. In this case, less was more.
It was good to see that a lot of thought and effort had gone into not just the costumes that she would have very likely worn during that time, but her mannerisms and the way she would have spoken authentically. Pollendine had a way of engaging the audience without lecturing about the way life was back then through the powerful use of storytelling and very subtle humour, which added a lot of engaging layers and texture to the well-developed and respectful text.
One particular highlight included the way she met her husband through her work. He was a patient at the time and, according to Seacole, had a certain charm about him despite being frail. I, for one, did not know that Seacole was her married name, or how she met him. This alone gives you the perfect example of what to expect from the marvellous adventures of Mary Seacole. You not only get to see Pollendine’s strong acting prowess, but you learn more and more about Mary Seacole herself through her own observations, experiences and emotional journey.
If you love history, learning more about interesting characters and the obstacles they had to face in order to get recognised, The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole is one of the most authentic ways to get to know the lady herself and experience theatre in its most powerful form. You may even get to learn what Florence Nightingale really thought about her.
Review by Sascha Cooper
Born in Jamaica and raised by an admirable Creole doctress, a lady with restless ambition embarks on a tumultuous journey far and wide in an effort to find home. Shaped by tales of the Mother Country, she is disillusioned by its refusal to claim her as its own. Mary Seacole, a forgotten woman returns to tell her own story – seeking closure, sharing truth and finding peace.
Adapted and performed by Daniella Pollendine
Directed by Sophia Woolfenden and Maria Sousa
THE MARVELLOUS ADVENTURES OF MARY SEACOLE
A re-imagining of the late Cleo Sylvestre’s acclaimed one-woman show
Rosemary Branch Theatre
2 to 5 October 2025
