Attendees leaving the theatre and felt like taking on the world, as if they could do and be anything. ‘Oh, deeds not words!’ is the line that will remain stuck with them for days after the show-stopping performance, inspiring all to act. The ambition of the performance must have been to leave the audience feeling empowered. The inspiring spectacle in question is no other than the musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World.

King’s Theatre Edinburgh and Capital Theatres hosted a special debut with the heart-warming musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World based on the picture book by Kate Pankhurst. The production follows schoolgirl Jade as she embarks on adventures with women of significant importance throughout history while simultaneously learning empowering lessons. The musical inspires spectators to not only believe in themselves, but also to remember the women who broke the rules of society and took important steps towards equality.

King’s Theatre Edinburgh opened in 1906 and has observed a myriad of productions ever since. The theatre has been a formative presence within the Scottish art lover’s community over the years. During the laying of the building’s foundation stone, a copy of the current coins and newspaper were buried within and is still present today. The remarkable stonework in the foyer, the mahogany carvings arrangement accompanied with marble floors and stained-glass ornaments are a regal welcome. The auditorium is a more remarkable experience, where one can find something new every time. Each carving tells a different tale, inviting theatre lovers to look deeper not only during the theatre show, but also before the start.

The Plot

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is set in a museum, with teachers and pupils who are on a school trip. Jade, a teenage schoolgirl, wanders off away from the group, finding herself left behind and hoping someone will come back for her. All alone and stranded, Jade stumbles across a not yet open ‘Gallery of Greatness’ of the museum, where she defies the rules by peeking to see what’s inside. What she finds is incredible women who changed the course of history. Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo, Jane Austen, Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, and Emmeline Parkhurst, to name a few, all come to stage to tell their stories of struggle and determination, reinforcing that success did not come easy for these women.  

The Message

The icons have faced discrimination and adversity throughout their lives, with women seen as incapable of the achievements. Amelia Earheart was an aviation and feminism pioneer who was the first woman to complete a transatlantic flight with many other firsts and left a legacy to be remembered for years to come. Initially, Amelia was deemed physically unfit to deal with the tumultuous weather by male pilots, yet proved them wrong. Jane Austen is another example of having to publish her books anonymously, since women of the 19^th Century were only accepted as wives and mothers by society.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is a theatre show with a higher purpose, conveying how even small deeds matter, how everyone can make a difference. It urges viewers to think for themselves, and to build a better life for everyone around. The musical also raises awareness that racism, misogyny, and gender discrimination is a current issue that needs to be tackled while reinforcing of how far we have come as a society. Therefore, the show is tremendously empowering and leaves visitors with a can-do attitude ready to take on the world. Fantastically Amazing Women can still be seen in London and Canterbury.

What’s On in Edinburgh

For theatre enthusiasts looking to see what’s on in Edinburgh, Capital Theatres is bringing some well-anticipated shows to town. Sunshine on Leith is a fresh local musical with soundtrack from The Proclaimers, one of the most well-known Scottish bands in the world. The musical theatre piece follows two soldiers who have returned home from war, questioning what home really means. For visitors who enjoy nostalgic singalongs, Festival Theatre welcomes Beyond Broadway Experience: Grease with 200 of the country’s best youth talents bringing on a different take on the classic. And for the art lovers partial to some dance, The Studio will bring A Wee Journey, a storytelling dance number with live music about migration experiences. The piece explores the idea how anyone can become a migrant nowadays due to factors like war and calls for more compassion and empathy.

Thus, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is a must-see for anyone who wants to feel elated and more empowered. The performance raises awareness of the immense work that needed to be done by amazing women throughout history to get where we are today. Yet, there is still a long way to go, and the show inspires spectators to keep on going, to keep on fighting the battle for equality, and to stay true to themselves.