GEORGE Eliot in Words and Music
Presented by Hambletts with Orchestra of the Swan

George Eliot brought to bold and dramatic life.

George Eliot’s story told through her great novels, letters, journals, poetry and journalism. In tune with her radicalism, Eliot’s own words are woven with music by contemporary singer songwriters from Kate Bush to FKA twigs, performed by Eurovision singer songwriter, SuRie and Orchestra of the Swan and we are delighted to announce that leading actor Sally Phillips will be joining the cast!

GEORGE gives voice to Eliot, her immortal characters, and the people in her life. The second richest woman of her day (after Queen Victoria), Eliot’s great works: Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss, Adam Bede and clear vision resonate as powerfully today.

Esteemed actor Sally Phillips, renowned for her roles in Bridget Jones’s Diary, Smack the Pony and most recently Austin on BBC One, will be joining SuRie in the leading role, in our production of GEORGE Eliot at BEAM Hertford. We are thrilled to welcome her to the cast.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter, SuRie performs with Sally Phillips. Internationally renowned musician, SuRie represented the UK at Eurovision 2018 and won the Offie for Lead Performance in a Musical in 2024 for her portrayal of Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun.

Orchestra of the Swan’s Musical Director, David Le Page captures Eliot’s timeless genius in a dazzling music programme that features contemporary, female singer-songwriters. The Swan’s musicians perform onstage, alongside SuRie.

The script is written and adapted by Deirdre Shields (A Beautiful Thread, Thomas Hardy in Words & Music).

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Running Time	2 hours including interval
Age Recommendation	10 and above