I, like many others, was not aware of the story of Sophia Duleep Singh. When I googled her, she came up with ‘forgotten fighter’ by her name. Yet her story is remarkable, and I am so pleased that Eastern Angles feel that it deserves to be told.
Sophia Duleep Singh was the daughter of the last Maharajah of Punjab and was born as a Royal Princess. The Duleep Singh family were exiled to Britain, where they made their home in Elveden in Suffolk until their father left them for Europe with his new mistresses. After Sophia visits the ancestral home of India with two of her sisters, she is changed forever and returns to the UK determined to fight for women’s suffrage and Indian independence.
Photo Credit: Mike Kwasniak
Natasha Patel plays a spirited Sophia who we watch grow and change into a strong and determined woman of great principal. Some of her most touching scenes are when Sophia becomes a nurse in the First World War and cares for a young soldier and they develop feelings for one another.
The soldier is played by Sushant Shekhar, who also plays Sophia’s brother, Freddie. Her brother is a pivotal figure in her life who embraces England and feels part of the aristocracy. Sushant plays Freddie with grace and elegance, the perfect English gentleman who has little or no interest in his Indian heritage. As the soldier he is tender, and I was willing the couple to find happiness.
Photo Credit: Mike Kwasniak
Moshana Khan is Bamber Duleep Singh, the imposing elder sister who clashes with Sophia but underneath loves her very much. Harriet Sharmini Smithers is Catherine Duleep Singh, who tries to smooth the waters in the family and ultimately worries about the path Sophia is taking in life. Both actresses also play other parts, such as nurses, and the whole ensemble cast works seamlessly together.
Photo Credit: Mike Kwasniak
Director Mandeep Glover’s clever use of set, lighting and voiceover kept the audience up to date with where and when we are in the timeline, the history of the family and the history of India and England.
This is a fascinating story, and although slightly slow to get going at first, Hannah Kumari’s script builds as the tension in the Duleep Singh family and the political arena Sophia finds herself in comes to a head.
An important play about a piece of Suffolk history and a forgotten champion of women’s rights that I was not aware of until now.
Sophia is now on tour across Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk until 3rd May – Check the Eastern Angles Website for dates and venues and to book tickets or call the Box office on 01473 211498
SUFFOLK THEATRE 