A ONE-WOMAN show about Dame Agnes Hunt, who co-founded Gobowen’s Orthopaedic Hospital, will be staged in Oswestry and Ellesmere this summer.

Alison Utting, from Ellesmere, is telling the story of Dame Agnes, who also founded Derwen College in Gobowen, at venues in both towns, as well as Shrewsbury, across June and July.

Alison said she is looking forward to telling the story of Dame Agnes and how she came to be part of the town’s history.

She said: “You probably know that Agnes Hunt co-founded the Orthopaedic Hospital and Derwen College – but how much do you know about her?

“Agnes grew up at Borreaton Park, near Baschurch, and went on to change the lives of thousands of disabled children and adults, founding the Orthopaedic Hospital (originally The Baschurch Home) and Derwen College.

“She was a fascinating person and her life story is hugely entertaining – funny and moving by turns.

“Severely disabled herself, Aggie overcame huge obstacles in her mission to help others.

“Her autobiography, ‘This Is My Life’, is a story of courage and determination, full of larger-than-life characters and laugh-out-loud anecdotes.”

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Accolades for the show include ‘Alison really is Agnes Hunt… A fascinating story, told in the best dramatic style’ and ‘totally engaging – Alison is enthusiastic and passionate about her subject – and dressed for the part, too. Highly recommended’.

Alison added: “The hero of the drama is Aggie herself, focusing on her personality, adventures, family and friends.”

The shows and dates are as follows:

  • Friday, June 9 from 7pm at The Trinity Centre, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury. Tickets are £7 available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/a-shropshire-lass or on the door.
  • Saturday, June 17 at 11am at Ellesmere Library for £5 including refreshments. To book, email ellesmere.library@shropshire.gov.uk or phone 01743 258555.
  • Saturday, July 22 at 7.30pm at The Hermon Chapel in Oswestry. Tickets £7 available online at www.hermon-arts.org.uk/events/aggie or on the door.

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Alison added: “Copies of ‘This Is My Life’ and other books about the history of the hospital will be on sale at the event (cash only).

“All proceeds from book sales go directly to the RJAH Hospital League of Friends.

“Ticket and book purchases at the event are cash only.”

“The show is written and presented by me with grateful thanks to Derwen College for permission to use extracts from ‘This Is My Life’.”