2In petticoats,  I was nobody. In breeches and a red coat, I was – I am - somebody

In 2014, the Huntington Library Quarterly published an essay that I had co-written with David Worrall, Emeritus Professor of English at Nottingham Trent. Hannah Snell, the Female Soldier 1750, is built on what David and I found out. Here's Caroline Thonger's generous review and some briefer feedback from previous audiences.:

The Story of Hannah Snell, Female Soldier

 

A Bravura Performance

 

On a balmy Friday evening in mid-September 2024, we were treated to a one-woman show given by Georgina Lock, an actor of long experience specialising in the presentation—in the form of a one-woman show—of historical but perhaps not widely known female characters.

 

This was a unique treat for some 30 friends and family gathering in Folkestone for a 70th birthday bash weekend. Only three props were required: an authentic-looking red coat, complete with silver buttons; an equally realistic three-cornered hat; a pewter tankard containing a ‘pint of wine’ as payment. Not only were we thus instantly transported back to Georgian England in the 18th century, but we were also transformed into an 18th century theatre audience listening spellbound to the story of England’s most renowned female soldier.

 

For a full hour Georgina kept our attention engaged as the tale of this remarkable woman unfolded. Not only had she fully researched her subject, but she also wrote the entire play. The performance involved many changes of mood and emotion, as well as cleverly interposed duologues. The vicissitudes of Snell’s early life in Worcester and London, married young to and then abandoned by a Dutchman. The pathos of a woman left destitute without the money to buy a headstone for her six-month-old baby. The sheer bravery of her determination to survive by donning a soldier’s uniform and joining the military in disguise as ‘James Grey’. Her adventures in the Royal Marines sailing in unimaginable conditions and rough weather, fighting in the battle of Pondicherry and receiving ‘twelve wounds’.

 

The evening was instructive, enlightening, entertaining and engaging. A truly bravura performance.

 

© Caroline Thonger, September 2024

Freelance Translator and Editor

Author of ‘The Banker’s Daughter’ (Merton 2007)

Co-author of ‘Take Two’ (CBeditions 2023)

 

 

 

"Once again, Georgina brilliantly tells the story of a woman whose extraordinary life has been overlooked by history. Her portrayal of female soldier Hannah Snell is highly entertaining and informative. As with her other one-woman shows it's the incredible detail of the script combined with Georgina's performance skills and her anility to put together a great costume which really bring the character to life. Can highly recommend." Carolyn, film producer, spectator at Gainsborough's House.

"A wonderful, immersive experience that took us deep into the eighteenth century world of this extraordinary woman."  Margaret, Trustee of the Friends of Snape Church.

"a wonderful play... such a great evening that everyone who attended enjoyed." Beton Collective, Green Room, Folkestone.