A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

Celebrated Virgins

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  3w, 1m

In late 18th-century Ireland, Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby found love and left everything to begin a new life together in Llangollen, Wales. This powerful and touching new play celebrates their defiance, courage and loving 50-year partnership.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 1m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Docudrama/History
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences

Details

Summary
When Eleanor and Sarah found each other, they were cast out by society and forced to leave their homes. Taking up residence in Llangollen, they became minor celebrities, forced to witness their own lives as written by those who could never understand. Now they've returned, ready to take back their story on their own terms.
History
Celebrated Virgins premiered at Theatr Clwyd in Mold, Wales on 20 May 2022. Directed by Eleri B. Jones, the production featured Heather Agyepong, Victoria John, Emma Pallant and Seán Carlsen.
SARAH
ELEANOR
LADY BETTY / MARY CARYLL
SIR WILLIAM / WILLIAM WORDSWORTH / EDMUND BURKE
  • Time Period 18th Century
  • Setting Kilkenny, Ireland and Llangollen, Wales. Late 18th century.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“[A] profoundly significant piece of queer history.” — The Stage

★★★★ “Persuasively and often tenderly affecting... these staged historical figures were also real people, determined to exist simply with dignity and grace. And at its most tender, Celebrated Virgins is a warm affirmation of lives lived authentically, and of gardens tended into bloom. – The Guardian

“The ladies of Llangollen come to vibrant life.” — The Observer

“Completely gripping.” — Shropshire Star

“Deeply absorbing.” — Theatre Reviews North

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

Celebrated Virgins: Q&A with Creators Katie Elin-Salt & Eleri B. Jones
Matt Law
October 27, 2022

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Katie Elin-Salt

Katie Elin-Salt is an actor/writer from Bridgend, South Wales. She first discovered a love of theatre at Bridgend Youth Theatre aged nine, and then went on to train in acting at RWCMD and worked professionally as an actor for many years – taking many roles at Theatre Clwyd su ...

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Eleri B. Jones

Eleri B. Jones is a Welsh theatre and film director, born and raised between Llangollen and Chester. She achieved a full scholarship to the University of Manchester where she studied Drama and Screen Studies, resulting in a 1st Class Degree, before being accepted as a Leverhu ...

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