In person author talk

Monday 20 November, 6.30pm to 7.30pm

In her acclaimed one-woman play, Cleo Sylvestre brings the true story of Mary Seacole vibrantly to life, revealing how this fearless medical practitioner used traditional remedies to treat the sick and wounded, challenged racism in high places and won the hearts and minds of those she helped across the globe.

Considered the greatest of all Black Britons, the book and the play explore why and how she came to be so highly regarded, despite being an immigrant and a woman of colour in Victorian England.

Join us for an inspiring evening with author Sandra Agard in conversation with actor Cleo Sylvestre, who will be discussing Mary Seacole, with Cleo reading some extracts from her monologue before a Q&A about her own and Mary Seacole’s life.

• Book to join in person
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About the speakers:

Cleo Sylvestre: Recently awarded an MBE for services to Drama and Charity in the King's New Years honours list, Cleo’s first West End appearance in 1967 was in Wise Child starring alongside Sir Alec Guinness at Wyndham’s and she has built the most incredible CV. She was the first ever black actress at The National Theatre in a leading role in National Health. She has worked with many of the world’s best directors, several times. She can be seen in Paddington Bear and prior to that was on Uncle and The Guilty. Her acclaimed one-woman show, The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole is still going strong. 

Sandra A. Agard is a storyteller and author. She has worked for over forty years in libraries as a literature development consultant and is currently a Learning Facilitator for Schools at the British Library. Sandra is an RSL Honorary Fellow and was awarded the 2022 Benson Medal for Services to Literature.

Tags (office use) : LIBR, LHF