A PLAY on the story of local legend, Jennie Lee, is set to premier in her home town next week. 

Marking her 120th birthday, it will celebrate the life of Scotland’s political and academic trailblazer for working people. 

Knights Theatre Artistic director and 'Jennie Lee: Tomorrow is a New Day' playwright Matthew Knights said: “I founded Knights Theatre with the aim of using social history to engage communities in Scotland with social issues.

"Jennie Lee was a passionate fighter for social justice who grew up in the working-class mining communities of Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath in Fife. This was where she formed her core ideas and beliefs that shaped her outlook on life.

"Although they were industrial mining communities they were also places where tales were told, art and culture flourished and there was a spirit of self-education.

“I wanted to explore her story in the place where she grew up alongside the communities who live there today. Jennie spent part of her childhood living in a hotel above a theatre in Cowdenbeath and this is where the play is set.

"The play features both a younger and an older version of Jennie who encounter each other and explore how she changes through her life and fights to remain true to her ideals. This is an entertaining play which aims to appeal to older generations who may remember Jennie and new generations who may be inspired by her story for the first time.

“We have been developing this play since 2019, sharing work-in-progress versions with Fife audiences and online during the pandemic. We are excited to be presenting the premiere in Jennie Lee’s birthplace of Lochgelly where her journey began and plan to tour throughout Scotland in the near future.”

Born in Lochgelly in 1904, she became the youngest ever female MP for North Lanark in 1929 at the age of 24, before she could legally vote. 

Following the death of her husband Nye Bevan the founder of the NHS she fought to protect his legacy and went on to become the first-ever Minister for The Arts and founder of The Open University.

After a successful political career Jennie Lee is offered a place in the House of Lords.

Heather Stuart, OnFife Chief Executive, said: “Jennie Lee was one of our own - and a personal hero of mine - and we are incredibly proud to be so closely associated with her formative years.

"As an organisation all about making learning and culture available to all, we're thrilled this play will premiere in our theatre in her hometown and will show just how much of a trailblazer she was."

The play will run from November 3 to November 13. It will be performed in Lochgelly Centre and Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline.

Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased here.