July 1689. Princess Anne finally gives birth to a child who survives beyond a few hours. But the young prince is unable to feed. An urgent call goes out to the nation: whose milk can save the heir to the throne? This musical by Nia Williams, based on a real wetnurse who turned the royal court upside down, shows women at the heart of power — but ultimately powerless. A pain in the neck? Or an outspoken woman? The real Mrs Pack has all but disappeared. But for a short time in the 17th century she was hailed as the saviour of the Protestant Stuart dynasty, and found herself at the centre of a system that relied on women to produce and raise future monarchs, while placing the value of their male children far above their own.
Reviews for the Edinburgh Fringe production (2022): 'Bright and lively but very moving' — FairyPowered Productions () 'Entertaining, profoundly moving and thought-provoking'—Fringe website feedback 'Superb ... My standout show of the Fringe'—Fringe website feedback
Official selection, Montreal Women's Film Festival 2024 (filmed stage performance)
