"Blue Stockings" by Jessica Swale
Nottingham Lace Market Theatre.

This is one powerful play aimed at women's rights and education as well as historical events surrounding events that are still relevant in today's society regarding the equality of women.

It tells the story of the battle fought at Girton College, Cambridge in 1896 to earn women the right to graduate. Even if each scene is calculated to make a point, Swale writes with vigour and leaves you astonished at the prejudices these young women had to overcome.

The focus is on four new Girton girls, of whom Tess, an astronomy student, is the most determinedly outspoken.

Women are given the option of education or marriage and both routes are explored throughout the play.

What is appalling is the hostility the women encounter, not least from male undergraduates who either bully or patronise their female contemporaries.Blatant sexual pigeon holing and insults are dealt out to the women who were expected to take it or leave. the women teachers also often afraid to "rock the boat". One even admitting to progressing her education at the downfall of her relationship.

The fight for equality, as well as the vote for women to graduate at times turns to violence, but who will win by the end and will education conquer love as an option?

It's strange how different directors can make a play so different, not better, just different and Roger Watson has done a wonderful job with this play, even making a cameo in the piece. What i liked about this production was the pace and fluidity of the play. As one scene ended the next came into play.

The cast was a mix of new faces and Lace Market Theatre regulars, and one nice thing about this piece of theatre is that you can show the talents of both younger and more mature actors, covering a large age spectrum.

There were a few very passionate performances here and I must highlight Sarah Taylor for her role as Mrs Welsh, Heather Pearson as Tess, Jacob Baker as Will and Aaron Connelly as Lloyd. All four had very passionate speeches to deliver, all heightening the audiences emotions.

There was not a poor performance to be seen in this well matched cast. Emily Shillan, Hannah Breedon, Sophie Owen, Joel Heritage, Daniel Fitzpatrick, Nathan Sharpe, Jonathan Cleaver, Joanna Hoyes, Liza Pybus, John Anthony, Richard Fife, Roger Watson, Adelaide Marshall, James Whitby and Arwen Makin all delivered excellent performances.

Some excellent dialect work here also.

I mentioned the pace earlier of the play and credit must be paid to the stage managers Sam Howitt and Bex Mason for the smooth scene changes and making sure that all went to plan backstage, making the play move on at a cracking pace.

One regular scene change was from the halls of education to the orchard and this was done by light projection alone with a subtle soundscape befitting an orchard at night. Creating these images visually and aurally were Allan Green with the lighting and Jack Harris with the sound.

The costumes were excellent and there's nothing like seeing a period play with a relevant wardrobe and this one was very classy.

It's a great story, and an important one to tell, with some excellent actors. the passion is there for all to see and when the passion spills over from the stage to the audience, it makes for a great talking point long after the play has ended. And that is what you'll find if you go and see "Blue Stockings".

"Blue Stockings" is at the Nottingham Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 2 June 2018. Educational as well as great entertainment.