Written by Alison Skillbeck
Review by Moyra Jones
Alison Skillbeck portrays Eleanor Roosevelt with warmth and precision, guiding the audience gently through her life during one of the most turbulent periods of the early to mid-twentieth century. The play spans from her birth in 1884 to her death in 1962.
It offers an intimate perspective – a reclamation of the remarkable woman behind President Franklin D. Roosevelt – exploring how her life evolved and how her personal relationship with him changed over time. Written by Skillbeck herself, the script draws on Eleanor Roosevelt’s own diaries and writings, giving the piece a sense of authenticity and depth.
The performance is delivered with a measured, deliberate style, matched by direction of equal precision. Clear stage conventions are established, and Skillbeck moves seamlessly between eras, also taking on multiple supporting roles that orbit Roosevelt’s story. Time shifts are marked by simple yet effective lighting changes, and moments of gentle humour occasionally shine through.
This is a comforting and informative piece of theatre. While it runs on the longer side for a fringe production and lacks a traditional dramatic build, as a historical portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life, it is both engaging and illuminating.
Comforting and Informative
Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London runs at Assembly Rooms
Running time: Seventy-five minutes without interval
Photo credit: Chris Christodoulou
Review by Moyra Jones (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Edinburgh University graduate and theatre practitioner. Moyra is particularly excited by interdisciplinary approaches to theatre and how the medium speaks to our contemporary world. With broad interests, she is especially excited about comedy dramas, cabaret, and clowning at this year’s Fringe.
This was a thoroughly researched piece of theatre, beautifully written and impeccably performed by Alison Skillbeck. The overriding message to seek greater humanity in peacetime, to bring closure following war, resonates powerfully in 2025. This piece is a refreshing antidote to much of the self-serving material available at Fringe. It also has great humour and exquisite use of language. It is a gem 💎