Help us take Welsh Nurse Betsi to Edinburgh Fringe

Aim

Helping our small theatre company fund our first trip to the Fringe to tell the remarkable story of the indomitable Betsi Cadwaladr.

Florence Nightingale is a household name, but who on earth has heard of Betsi Cadwaladr? Yet, this extraordinary Welsh woman didn’t just nurse in the Crimean War in the 1850s, she boldly defied the great Miss Nightingale to become one of the first British nurses on the battlefield front line - all at the age of 65! Betsi is the incredible, heart-warming story of a remarkable Welsh woman who, before risking life and limb to save British soldiers had already lived many adventures as a purser and nurse on board ships, criss-crossing the globe with irrepressible curiosity and spirit. 

Using inventive theatrical techniques, this two-woman show takes you on a breathtaking journey as Betsi travels to the Crimea and tells her own amazing life story.

Playwright Adele Cordner says, “Betsi’s autobiography, which inspired me, is a revelation. Betsi is adventurous, courageous and speaks truth to power. Her astonishing story was buried by the press and establishment because Betsi was a Welsh, working class, Nonconformist woman. We are here to set the record straight and give Betsi the recognition she richly deserves.”

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st August 2026 at 1:00pm