DEPTFORD WIVES - A NEW MUSICAL

In Development

Deptford Wives tells the remarkable true story of Mary Lacy, the female shipwright. ​

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In 1773, Mary Lacy, a poor girl from Kent facing a lifetime as a domestic servant,
ran away from home, disguised herself as a man, and joined the British Navy. 

She became an apprentice shipwright, but when her gender was revealed, she was expelled from the Navy, leaving her to find her identity as a woman in a man's world. 

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Mary went on to become an architect and builder, building a row of houses now known as Deptford High Street, found time to write her memoirs and was the first woman to be granted a pension from the British Admiralty. 

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This musical explores the passionate love affair between Mary and her soon-to-be ‘wife', Elizabeth Slade and how the impossible became possible.

The show has been orchestrated to include actor-muso elements, and is currently finalising rewrites ahead of its first professional production, with interest from Southwark Playhouse for venue. We are currently fundraising and seeking investors for this show. 

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Original Book by Jennie Buckman 

Book & Lyrics by Nikki Racklin

Music by Anthony Kosky
Additional Music, lyrics & arrangements by Daniel Jarvis

Concept and Adaptation by Tania Azevedo