A compelling new drama, based in Victorian Oxton, is scheduled to premiere next month.
The Tale of Jessie Gavinwas penned and jointly produced by actress Pauline Fleming, a familiar face on the telly inBrookside, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Years & Years and resides in the Wirral locale,
She's been captivated by the tale of Jessie Gavin – Oxton's original "Gentleman Jack" – for ages, and now she's using Heritage Lottery funding to bring Gavin's story to the forefront.
To keep things within the family, her daughter, Cornelia Cannell, is joining the team as a co-producer on the project.
Cornelia, a University of Liverpool employability lecturer and self-described 'experienced creative', has worked alongside her mother on a variety of arts projects within the local community.
Pauline characterised Jessie, a Wirral artist from around here, as 'a bold Victorian woman who dared to love and live freely'.
She broke free from the limitations of how she was raised and discovered her true calling alongside the groundbreaking architect, Eileen Gray.
A compelling new theatrical production, located in Victorian Oxton, is coming to the stage next month, courtesy of Wirral actress Pauline Fleming (Image: Carla Walker).The play, lasting 45 minutes, charts their relationship and their lively existence within the artistic circles of London and Paris.
Before the main event, a brief performance will greet the audience, establishing the setting and atmosphere of the time – a tribute to rebellion, creative expression, and affection.
Pauline Fleming, the playwright from Wexford Road, Oxton, explained: "Upon learning about Jessie Gavin, I was driven to put her life down on paper."
Having lived in Oxton and appreciating its unique charm, combined with uncovering a fascinating local history – just one of many in this region – made crafting this article feel effortless.
It's been a genuine pleasure, not just reviving Jessie's story for a 45-minute slot, but also getting to share a slice of her life with the wonderful community that embraced her.
"In doing so we help keep our heritage alive, something that is deeply important to me."
Anne Lister, a Yorkshire resident in the early 1830s, achieved renown as an English diarist. Her diaries revealed details that led to her being called "the first modern lesbian" and the nickname 'Gentleman Jack'. Her life story was subsequently adapted into a successful television programme featuring Surrane Jones.
Pauline has tread the boards in many productions including The Full Monty, Cilla The Musical and The Vagina Monologues.
In 2021, with Art Council funding, Pauline staged her own production of Harold Pinter’s Ashes to Ashes at The Birkenhead Priory and Beckett in Birkenhead and Christ Church in Oxton.
The Tale of Jessie Gavin is being shown at Callister Gardens, Slatey Road at midday and 3pm on September 14; at Unity Theatre Liverpool at 7.30pm on September 17; and Flaybrick Memorial Gardens, Birkenhead on September 20 at 3pm. #
Jessie is buried at Flaybrick and Pauline and Cornelia hope to take people to her gravestone after the production.
The Callister Gardens and Flaybrick performances are free of charge through the Eventbrite website: website: Discover Jessie Gavin Events & Activities in Liverpool, United Kingdom | Eventbrite
Tickets for Unity Theatre Liverpool are available from the venue priced £13.50 from: https://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/whats-on/the-story-of-jessie-gavin-oxtons-first-gentleman-jack/
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