Blue Stockings

Act One

It is 1896 and Girton College, Cambridge has just opened its doors. It is home to Britain’s first female university students. At the university, the eminent physician, Dr. Maudsley, is delivering a lecture based around his latest treatise, ‘Sex in Mind and in Education’. He warns the audience that educating women is a dangerous idea as they are governed by their reproductive functions and not designed for an intellectual life. However, at the same time, the principal of Girton College, Elizabeth Welsh, welcomes her female students to the college. Tess Moffatt is one of the first students to arrive, shortly joined by Maeve, Celia and Carolyn. They have assembled for a lecture from Mr. Banks on the laws of motion, which he demonstrates by teaching them to ride a bicycle. Banks deliberately pushes the women to encourage debate and intellectual stimulation.

As Tess rides off on the bicycle, she is watched afar by several of the male students from Trinity College. Students, Holmes