The Alleviating Art: Lady Mary Montagu and Smallpox Inoculation

This one-act, one-actor play draws from the letters of Lady Mary Montagu, a pioneering advocate who revolutionised public health in England through her support of inoculation.

Her letters recount her time in Constantinople first hand, where she witnessed the practice of inoculation—an early method to protect against smallpox, which was ravaging England at the time.

Performed in our atmospheric Lower Gallery, the play explores Lady Mary's decision to risk fierce opposition and inoculate her young daughter—the first recipient of smallpox inoculation on English soil.

Our panel discussion will explore the inspiration behind the play and the relevance Lady Mary's story holds today. The panelists will include Silke Ackermann (Director of the History of Science Museum) and Robert Myers (Playwright).

This event will feature a one-act performance, an audience Q&A and a drinks reception.