REVIEW: Betsi, Her Story Theatre Company, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★

You’re bound to have heard of Florence Nightingale, but have you heard of Betsi Cadwaladr?

This remarkable woman isn’t well known outside of Wales, but Her Story Theatre Company brings her story alive in their latest show Betsi. Following a life of travel, she became one of the first British nurses to serve in the Crimean War at the age of 65. A formidable woman with a true passion for nursing, she frequently argued with Nightingale, frustrated with her rigid need to follow the rules, rather than acting on intuition to care for their patients.

The show begins with Betsi (Clare Drewett) meeting a historian (Adele Cordner), who she has chosen due to her previous work defending the Welsh language. She wants to share her work in the Crimean War, and believes that people are more likely to listen to a lady than a working class Welsh woman like herself.

The play effectively shows attitudes towards Welsh people in the 19^th Century. They are othered by English people, and their language is called evil. Betsi is frequently discriminated against for being Welsh, even changing her surname to Davis to make it easier for English people to pronounce. When she collects her nursing contract, the woman looks down on her for being Welsh methodist, and warns she cannot talk about religion to her patients. Of course, our strong-minded protagonist doesn’t listen, believing that spiritual guidance is the best gift for someone who is sick or dying.

The characterisation of Betsi is wonderfully detailed, painting a vivid picture of the kind and strong-willed woman. Nursing is truly her calling, and she works hard to provide and care for her patients, even packing extra yarn to knit socks for the soldiers, and bringing a Christmas pudding to share. She breaks away from what society expects from her, refusing to marry and running away from her fiancée when he says he is her master.

Betsi doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war, focusing on the awful living conditions rather than the gruesome injuries suffered by the soldiers. Betsi is appalled to discover the leaky roof and smelly drains in the hospital, and the lack of resources available. The nurses aren’t provided with enough uniforms so their dresses are often dirty, there is no linen to make bandages, and patients don’t even have proper beds, and have to use their coats as pillows. Hearing about how poor these conditions were makes Betsi’s work to improve them even more impressive and admirable.

Both actors are incredible. Drewett is a natural in the role of Betsi. Her understanding of the character and passion for her story shine through in her performance. Cordner plays a variety of roles, from the curious historian to the bossy Florence Nightingale. She slips into each one with ease, and thanks to costuming, it is easy to distinguish between them.

It’s always a delight to hear stories of strong women throughout history, especially when they have experienced multiple forms of discrimination. Betsi is a must for history lovers and feminists alike, and it was a pleasure to learn about her life and legacy.

Recommended Drink: A traditional Welsh beer.

Performances of Betsi, Her Story have now concluded at EdFringe 2026.