A Girl’s Guide to World War
3 – 20 February 2022
Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
Written by Queensland couple Katy Forde and Aleathea Monsour, the new Australian musical A Girl’s Guide to World War celebrates the wartime exploits of Brisbane’s first lady doctor, Dr Lilian Cooper.
After sell-out shows in 2018 and 2019, the musical won the Lord Mayor’s Award for ‘Best New Australian Work’ at the Matilda Awards in 2019, and Susie French also won a Matilda Award for her unforgettable portrayal of the smoking, swearing lesbian surgeon, Dr Lilian Cooper.
This inspiring musical brings to life a true story: in World War One, lady doctors want to join the army. When the army told them to ‘stay home and sit still’ …they went anyway. Leading the charge to the frontline was Brisbane’s own Dr Lilian Cooper, Queensland’s first female doctor and Australia’s first female surgeon.
“The response to the show has been overwhelming,” says the show’s composer, Aleathea. “We want people to have a great time at the show – there’s humour, live music, rollicking adventure – but underneath that, there’s a very special story about compassion and courage. And I think that’s what audiences have embraced.”
“This show is about Australian women – and specifically Brisbane women – who truly changed history,” adds lyricist and writer Katy. “These women have been forgotten, and we’re passionate about bringing them back into the light where they belong.”
For ticketing and further information, visit the Brisbane Powerhouse website
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