A little-known chapter in the extraordinary life of pioneer Hertha Ayrton, the woman who tamed electric arcs, fought for women’s suffrage, and gave Marie Curie refuge, is taking centre stage on the Isle of Wight this October and November.
A summer of refuge
Set during the summer of 1912, the play explores the moment Ayrton opened her doors to her close friend Marie Curie and Curie’s teenage daughter, Irène (who would go on to win her own Nobel Prize), following a period of intense public scrutiny in France.
Irène doesn’t yet know that Hertha has spent her life outsmarting a world that doubted her. She just knows this is the summer everything felt possible.
Island writer, award-winning director
Written by up-and-coming young Island creative Cody Pevreall and directed by award-winning Franko Figueiredo, The Woman Who Tamed Lightning brings an untold chapter of local history vividly to life.
Starring Meg Hodgson – whose acclaimed work spans ITV, Glastonbury Festival, and Netflix – the play delivers a captivating, visually imaginative one-person performance celebrating female solidarity, science, and the power of Island history.
Among the first shows at The Arena
Presented as part of CAN YOU HEAR US?, a six-week Islandwide celebration of creativity and culture, the show will be among the first productions at The Arena, the brand-new travelling pop-up venue created by the team behind Ventnor Fringe, launching at Sandham Gardens in Sandown. The show will then move to Department in Ryde.
For more details, see Stonecrabs Theatre’s website.
Dates and booking links
The Woman Who Tamed Lightning is showing at the Ventnor Exchange Arena, Sandham Gardens, Sandown, PO36 8AT on Friday 16th October 2026 at 7.30pm and Saturday 17th October 2026 at 2pm.
The Woman Who Tamed Lightning is also showing at Department, 29-30 Cross Street, Ryde PO33 2AA on Friday 27th November 2026 at 8pm.
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