Life of Mary Strangman takes centre stage in new County Waterford production

The life of one of Waterford’s most notable historical figures has been transformed into a new play courtesy of the Minaun Community Theatre Group, who are set to present their 90 minute production on the extraordinary life of Dr Mary Somerville Parker Strangman.

She was one of the first female doctors in Ireland and the UK, and became Waterford’s first female Councillor in 1912. 

She pioneered work in alcoholism and addiction, championed social reform, women’s rights and public health, particularly combating tuberculosis. Even after retiring from public office in 1920, she continued to serve as a physician.

Born in Carriganore, in 1872, to Thomas Handcock Strangman and Sarah White Strangman, Mary was home-schooled with her six siblings. In 1891, she entered the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), the first medical school in the UK and Ireland to admit women on equal terms with men, along with her sister Lucia.

After graduation she built a pioneering medical career in the UK and was awarded the fellowship of the RCSI in 1902, the second Irishwoman to achieve such a distinction.

Dr Strangman returned to Waterford in 1903 where she set up a practice championing public health and advocating for women’s rights. 

As a suffragist, she was acutely aware of the inequities in women’s healthcare and franchise rights and when in 1911 women became eligible for election to local council, she stood for election, becoming Waterford’s first female Councillor, on January 15, 1912.

As an elected representative, she served on the Public Health Committee, advocating for policies aimed at improving the well-being of all. She retired from public office in 1920. 

In 1923 she was appointed physician at Waterford County and City Infirmary, and also continued in general practice until shortly before her death in January, 1943. 

Her vital work was  honoured on Friday, March 22, of this year at City Hall, as the Large Room was named in her honour. Dr Strangman also has a Civic Trust Blue Plaque dedicated to her on Parliament Street in Waterford City.

The upcoming play will be presented by the Minaun Community Theatre Group, which aims to transform local theatre in the region by producing original short performances entirely created by the community, at a nominal cost. Representatives describe the project as 'theatre for the people, by the people.'

Membership is flexible, allowing members to participate as their schedules permit. The group originally planned to stage one-hour performances twice a year.

This in-person event will be held at Faithlegg National School on Thursday, September 5, at 8 pm. Tickets are available at eventbrite.ie