Bess of Hardwick in spotlight of new play

One of the most powerful and wealthiest women in Elizabethan England put an indelible stamp on Derbyshire through the construction of Hardwick Hall and Chatsworth House and the extension of Bolsover Castle.
Bess of HardwickBess of Hardwick
Bess of Hardwick

Much-married Bess of Hardwick was a personal favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and her main lady in waiting.

Four hundred years later, her story will be brought to life on stage for the first time when the world premiere of Bess is unveiled at Derby’s Guildhall Theatre.
The script has been penned by award-winning playwright Kevin Fegan, who lives in Belper. He became interested in the story of the second richest woman to Queen Elizabeth I while growing up in Mansfield. Kevin said: “I used to walk over to Hardwick, see the hall and walk around the grounds. I had no idea at the time that I’d later be writing a play about Bess.

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“She was a major player in Elizabethan England. With her fourth husband, Bess kept Mary Queen of Scots under house arrest for 15 years. Mary was kept at Chatsworth, South Wingfield manor and Sheffield Castle and was moved around to stop those who wanted to see her on the throne from breaking her out.”

Bess will be played by Michelle Todd who grew up in Sutton in Ashfield.

The production, which blends theatre and film, is suitable for audience members aged 12 years upwards and runs at the Guildhall Theatre from September 28 to October 1.

Kevin’s last play at the Guildhall, Slave, won the Pete Postlethwaite Best New Play Manchester Theatre Award.

Tickets for Bess cost £15. To book, call 01332 255800 or visit www.derbylive.co.uk