‘Florence’, a full length musical, is both educational and entertaining.

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'Florence' is suitable for all abilities across the ages, with a flexible 30 to 70+ cast, adaptable sets with quickly dissolving transitions, and 19 memorable songs and music. Successfully performed by many schools and groups, including at the 286 seat Barnfield Theatre in Exeter; in the round at the 400 seat Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough and on the proscenium stage at the 220 seat Athenaeum Theatre in Warminster.

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Set in the 1850's, it explores Florence Nightingale's early career in England. Moving to the Crimea, you will laugh and be moved by the sometimes comic but often tragic lives of doctors, nurses, officers and wounded soldiers. The 'Lady with the Lamp' triumphantly returns to England in a stirring finale.

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Historically based dramas and so-called ‘docudramas’, which attempt an accurate portrayal of an event or biography, have always been a popular entertainment genre. Recent years, in particular, have produced an array of award-winning productions based on past events and characters. The writers of 'Florence' welcome innovative casting that reflects the diversity of a wide range of backgrounds.

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Fortunately, Florence Nightingale was a prolific writer who would continually jot down notes and information on all manner of writing materials available to her at the time.  Many of these notes have survived and, as a consequence, biographers have been able to write of her life, thoughts and aspirations in great detail and with informed accuracy.

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The Crimean War 1853–1856. Of the over 21,000 British casualties sustained during the Crimean War, only 2,600 were killed in battle. The majority of those who perished did not die from wounds; rather they died from diseases brought about by the terrible living conditions which they suffered. Diseases such as typhus, typhoid, cholera, and dysentery were rife in the army hospitals… and over 85% of British soldiers admitted in military hospitals had scurvy.

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Furthermore, up until the mid-nineteenth century, records of the day, reported that nurses were often sanctioned for fighting, the use of foul language, petty theft and the extortion of money from patients. Nurses often stole cash, gold teeth and treasured possessions from the dying and the dead.

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Then, along came a young woman from a privileged background who, having overcome the most vehement opposition from an overly controlling mother, entered the nursing profession and soon afterwards, under the authorisation of Sidney Herbert, a family friend and Secretary of State for War, left for the Crimea on 21 October 1854 with 38 volunteer nurses she had trained. Through sheer single-mindedness and with dogged determination, Florence gradually broke through all manner of extremely obstinate military opposition she initially faced and transformed conditions in the military hospitals which substantially reduced the death rate amongst the troops.

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Word of her achievements gradually filtered back to Britain and all forms of Florence memorabilia quickly sold out everywhere.  Florence returned from the Crimea a national heroine amidst the roar of appreciation from the nation, with vast cheering crowds out to greet her. She was awarded, among many honours, the Order of Merit by Queen Victoria.

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This musical contains the part of her life from the time of her quarrels with her mother to her acclaimed return from the Crimea. Whether serious, comical or bizarre, everything the audience see are envisaged at this time. Little has been exaggerated or included to enhance the musical for dramatic purposes!