The play tells the story of Elizabeth Blackwell - born at the dawn of the eighteenth century - who eloped with her reckless young husband and cousin Alexander from her home in Aberdeen to London. After attempting a range of bogus business ventures, Alexander - in no time at all - found himself in debtors’ prison. Elizabeth resolved to free her husband by dint of her own efforts and resources and, after much clever scheming and in a felicitous arrangement with Sir Hans Sloane of the Chelsea Physic Garden, she embarked upon the creation and illustration of ‘A Curious Herbal’. Upon publication, the Herbal became a veritable apothecaries’ bible - both in Britain and abroad - and rooted Elizabeth’s name firmly and for ever within British botanical history.

As to Elizabeth’s husband? Now that is also a fascinating part of the tale!)