Modest premières at Hull Truck Theatre May 23–27.
Music hall, theatre and drag king cabaret erupt around Elizabeth Thompson—a megastar of the Victorian art scene.
In 1874, Elizabeth stunned the Royal Academy with her painting Roll Call. Five years later, she falls two votes short of becoming the first woman elected to the academy.
In between, she must shoulder the hopes and dreams of women across the country, while fighting for her place at a table full of top hats, ties and mutton chop beards.
Created in collaboration with Milk Presents, Modest is developed with the support of the National Theatre's Generate programme.
It’s also at Northern Stage, Newcastle June 12–13; New Wolsey, Ipswich June 16–17; and Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough June 19–21; with other dates to be confirmed.