Blue Stockings

In the vibrant world of late 19th-century Cambridge, Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale unfolds the poignant and often humorous tale of four young women striving for educational equality at Girton College, Cambridge. This thought-provoking play immerses audiences in a period when female intellect was both celebrated and challenged, highlighting the societal norms that sought to confine women to domestic roles.

The Story

It is 1896, and Tess Moffat and her fellow first years at Girton, the first college in Britain to admit women, study ferociously and match their male peers grade for grade, yet are denied degrees. Determined to win the right to graduate, they battle against the prejudices of a patriarchal society over one tumultuous academic year, facing the distractions of love, the cruelty of the class divide and an opposition that will do anything to stop them.

Why Readers Love It

• Engaging Characters: Each character is crafted with depth, displaying a range of emotions and ambitions that resonate with contemporary audiences.
• Witty Dialogue: Swale’s sharp and clever writing brings humour to serious themes, making the play both entertaining and enlightening.
• Social Commentary: The exploration of gender equality and the fight for women's rights remains relevant, sparking discussions that extend beyond the stage.

Perfect For

Readers and theatre enthusiasts interested in:

• Historical dramas that challenge societal norms
• Plays that focus on women's empowerment

“Cracking... leaves you astonished at the prejudices these educational pioneers had to overcome.” – Guardian