The Fair Intellectual Club @ The Assembly Rooms

Scotland is most notably known intellectually for its scientific and educational advances that occurred in the early 1§8th century: the Scottish Enlightenment. Yet women were still excluded from such intellectual developments, being barred from receiving the same educational benefits that were readily granted to their male counterparts. Polyhymnia, Thalia and Clio are the leaders among a group of women who crave more than the simple pastimes of drawing and sewing. And so the play begins as their desire to improve their minds with knowledge outweighs the consequences of society: thus the Fair Intellectual Club is formed.

Based on a true story, The Fair Intellectual Club should be equally known for its advances in entertainment, other than for improving the minds of women. For the three characters completely engross the audience in the play as they form the rest of the members of the club, indicated by the completely convincing comedic interaction between them.

Some of the jokes might hardly be appropriate for the 18th century, but the play wittily comments on how even though the equality for women has considerably improved, certain things have resolutely remained the same. For example, their passion for gossip never wearies, and the nature of friendship between women is inflexible. Still, while the play endeavours to demonstrate the rationality of women, two out of the three women fall corrupt to the willpower of men. Regrettably, their quest for intellect falls short on their quest for love.

A laugh and a giggle, one is sure not to be disappointed when purchasing a club meeting ticket. Not only will you walk out of the Assembly Rooms with an uplifted spirit, but if you manage to choose the right seat, you’ll walk out the theatre with a bar of chocolate as well.