Acclaimed writer and actress Alison Skilbeck is set to bring her solo show 'Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London' to Northumberland for the very first time.

The show, which received critical acclaim when it premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016, will have performances at various venues in the region, including Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Beaumont Street, in Hexham on Friday, September 29 at 7.30pm.

The show, that is directed by Lucy Skilbeck, explores the public and hidden life of Eleanor Roosevelt, and has already toured the UK, Eire and France.

Skilbeck has been granted special permission from the Roosevelt Estate to use Eleanor's diary and writings in the production.

The play takes place in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, as Eleanor reflects on her daring visit to Britain in 1942.

It delves into pivotal experiences from her life, including the extra-marital affairs of her husband, President Roosevelt, and her close relationship with journalist Lorena Hickok.

Alison Skilbeck portrays all the colourful characters that Eleanor encounters during her travels.

The production is meticulously researched, drawing from Eleanor's wartime diary, newspaper columns, and vast correspondence.

Skilbeck's portrayal shows a woman with deep personal insecurities and tragedy, yet maintains her passionate belief in the strength of the human spirit.

The show captures the 'spirit, humour and passion of one of the most extraordinary women of the 20th century'.

Playwright Alan Ayckbourn has praised Skilbeck's performance, calling her a 'consummate performer'.

Her performance in 'Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London' has received recognition and nominations for various awards.

She was nominated for a Best Female Performance award at the Off-West End (Offie) Awards and was also nominated for Best Actress at the Buxton Fringe Awards.

Recently, she has been nominated for an OffFest Award at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe for her new play, 'Alison Skilbeck's Uncommon Ground'.

Tickets to the production of 'Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London' at the Queen's Hall Arts Centre can be bought for £14/£12 concession.

To purchase tickets, call the box office on 01434 652477 or visit the website at queenshall.co.uk.