The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness
★★★★★ Moving
theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (Venue 53): Fri 7 – Sat 29 Aug 2026
Review by Shuang Ning Tan
The talented two-person team at Moon Rabbit Theatre present The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness at Surgeons’ Hall. Humorous and poignant, this solo show paints the portrait of an Irish nurse (and self-described poet) who contemplates themes of identity and legacy during the Second World War.
After inheriting her mother’s nursing profession, Philomena McGuinness moves around England, tending to her patients under increasingly difficult wartime conditions. Yet, regardless of what society defines her as – flighty, according to her mother – Philomena is a poet at heart. Even if she hasn’t written a poem yet.
Jasmine Gleeson in The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness. Pic: Moon Rabbit Theatre
Already, before the show begins, the audience is invited into an intimate space. We step into a minimalist set: table, flowers, whisky and briefcase. Jasmin Gleeson is firmly in character as Philomena, cheekily munching on an apple while absorbed in her book. As Billie Holiday’s song dies down and the room is plunged into darkness, anticipation builds and builds… The spotlight turns on. With merely an expression and a one-liner, the audience is hooked.
Gleeson expertly narrates and acts out Philomena’s journey through the years as she endures the tragedy of war. From her frenetic youthful energy to her growing wartime despair, every expression and gesture and tone works to shape the characters she performs – or, more accurately, the characters she inhabits.
Instead of portraying a faceless wartime nurse, Gleeson manages to embody the multitudes contained within not only Philomena but also the other nurses. Whether it is the stern militaristic pacing of the Matron (the head nurse in Norfolk) or the beautiful singing of Mary (Philomena’s friend), Gleeson seamlessly switches between distinctive individuals, conveying their joys and sorrows.
an easy character to love
Thanks to Josh King’s script, Philomena is an easy character to love. Watching Gleeson onstage often feels like reuniting with a dear friend. We are warmly welcomed into her story, especially when she directly addresses the frontmost audience members.
In a world full of war and death, Philomena’s genuine heart and sense of humour put people at ease – at least until Gleeson conveys such raw emotion that she brings you to tears.
Nevertheless, the show wouldn’t be the same without Josh King’s lighting. He may as well be the second performer onstage, punctuating every moment with dynamic brightness and changing colours. Having written the script, King understands perfectly how to support any transitions between moods and characters: one of the most chilling moments in the show is the vivid image of Philomena slowly drowning in blood red light.
Bittersweet and reflective, The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness is a tragicomic tale about unfulfilled dreams and forging your own identity against all odds. Her story is sure to linger long after the show ends.
Running time: 50 minutes (no interval).
theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (Theatre 3), Surgeons Quarter, Nicolson Street EH8 9DW (Venue 53).
Friday 7 – Saturday 29 August 2026.
Fri 7 – Sat 15: 5.05pm; Mon 17 – Sat 29 (not 23): 4.05pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tickets direct from venue: Book here.
Moon Rabbit website: www.moonrabbittheatre.com
Facebook: @moonrabbittheatre
Instagram: @moonrabbittheatre
ENDS
