THE extraordinary and inspiring life of Hannah Mitchell (1872-1956), suffragette, socialist, campaigner, speaker and writer will be celebrated in song and story at Barningham Village Hall on Saturday, March 14.
The Hard Way, by award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Louise Jordan, tells Hannah’s story from humble beginnings in a remote Derbyshire hill farm to serving in Manchester as a councillor and magistrate.
With only two weeks of formal schooling behind her, Hannah left home at 14 and, through sheer force of character, forged a role for herself in early 20th century politics, working tirelessly to improve life for those around her.
Her activities in the suffragette movement led to confrontation with Winston Churchill at a public meeting and imprisonment in Strangeways Gaol.
She went on to oppose Britain’s involvement in the First World War and served from 1924 to 1935 as an active member of Manchester City Council.
She is brought to life by Louise Jordan. Since 2015 she has been uncovering the stories of women and their remarkable experiences and sharing them, accompanied on guitar with original songs, with audiences across the UK and Europe.
Robin Brooks, a member of Barningham Village Hall Committee, said: “Hannah Mitchell, though not as well-known as Emmeline Pankhurst, played a key role in the movement for women’s suffrage.
“Her story really resonates today when she would be described as a politician, an activist and a feminist, but she lived at a time when, as a woman, it was a real challenge to be any of these.
“She was a rebel with a cause and we’re very much looking forward to hearing her story. “
The show is being staged as part of the current Highlights Rural Touring Scheme programme that brings professional music and theatre to village halls and community venues across Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria.
Ms Jordan’s other dates in her tour are in Cumbria and Northumberland so this is the only chance to see her in Teesdale.
The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £10.50 for adults, £4.50 for children and £23 for families.
Call 01833 621203 or email rpbrooks72@gmail.com to reserve tickets or book online at www.highlightsnorth. co.uk.
Show-goers are welcome to bring their own drinks.
