Wonder Women is a series of events held every spring to celebrate the work of emerging artists and to remember great women from the past. This particular event, held at the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, celebrated the life of Hannah Mitchell. Living history actress Janet Baron performed as Mitchell in the wonderfully detailed, re-created Victorian street in the museum. Looking at the original shop fronts, saved from the Manchester area and listening to the sounds of the time, the audience could step straight back into the Victorian era.
The performance lasted around forty minutes and Baron was able to keep the audience’s full attention throughout, whilst educating the group on the life and times of this fascinating woman. 
Based on her autobiography, titled ‘The Hard Way Up’ (not published until after she died) we were taken on a journey through Mitchell’s life; from childhood, through the two World Wars and her incredible achievements. Coming from a very poor family with only two weeks of education Hannah Mitchell worked her way up to becoming a magistrate in 1926. Baron talked directly to the audience and in the extremely life like setting it was easy to forget the museum and be transported into the past. The information given was wide and varied, however, it would have been lovely to hear a little more about the role Hannah Mitchell played in the suffrage movement. Members of the audience were asked to participate during the performance with some spectators asked to raise the banners high for votes for women. Baron had complete enthusiasm and drive in her voice whilst asking if the liberal party would give the women the vote; I could have easily followed her into battle! An inspiring performance in a stunning setting.
Baron can be seen more frequently at the People’s History Museum in a living history performance set more specifically for school children. However, the majority of the audience at the museum were adults and it was more than enjoyable and very informative for all ages. Baron was splendid in recreating the voice of an inspirational woman and gave a very informative performance.
Reviewer: Charlotte Green
Reviewed: 12th March 2016
