Elizabeth Garrett Anderson musical in development

The life of Britain’s first female doctor Elizabeth Garrett Anderson will be celebrated in a new homegrown musical.

With original music and lyrics by genre newcomer Alice Johnstone, Ladies First will follow the story of the woman who overcame opposition from both her family and society in general to become the country’s first female doctor.

Commenting on the inspirational subject of her work, composer Johnstone said: “Elizabeth’s life story is fascinating. She was an incredibly intelligent woman and a trailblazer of the 19th century. Many people know about her because of that. But the challenges she faced in her personal and professional life, like family disapproval and the struggle to choose between becoming a wife or a doctor, remain largely untold.

“Through a diverse array of musical styles and lyrics, Ladies First will reinforce just how far society has come since 1865. But it will also show us how far we have to go. While its agenda has changed somewhat since the 19th century, feminism is still highly relevant and necessary today – and Elizabeth helps us to remember that.”

The project has won the backing of Garrett Anderson’s family, with her great, great, great granddaughter, Georgia Onslow commenting: “I was thrilled to learn of Ladies First. Elizabeth was a pioneer of the women’s rights movement in medicine, education and suffrage. She was also the first woman to become a mayor in England – her life story is well worth exploring.

“Her legacy still lives on today at University College London Hospital’s Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing. Elizabeth would be proud of the high-quality medical work for women and babies that continues to take place there under her name. I am sure that she would be equally pleased that her legacy is helping to inspire a new generation of women.”

Now in development with plans for a launch during the 2023/2024 season, Johnstone is joined on the project by composer Georgia Denham, one of Sound and Music’s New Voices 2020, and director and dramaturg Kitty Ball, the BBC and Arts Council England’s choice as Northern New Creative.

Angela Thomas