The Beatrix Potter Defense Society

ONE ACT: 16-year-old Beatrix Potter is hatching a plot to stay in her beloved Lake District forever. When her late night escape causes her to cross paths with the vicar's wife, her desperation forces her to seek help from an unlikely ally. As the two lock in a battle of wills, each must learn to open their minds and hearts to the unseen potential of their individual lives – as well as the healing and possibility...

ONE ACT: 16-year-old Beatrix Potter is hatching a plot to stay in her beloved Lake District forever. When her late night escape causes her to cross paths with the vicar's wife, her desperation forces her to seek help from an unlikely ally. As the two lock in a battle of wills, each must learn to open their minds and hearts to the unseen potential of their individual lives – as well as the healing and possibility that lies within their art.

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The Beatrix Potter Defense Society

Recommended by

  • Deb Meyer: The Beatrix Potter Defense Society

    What a delightful story about an interaction between a young struggling Beatrix Potter and the over-extended vicar’s wife, Edith. Both have the heart of an artist, and both have fears they must face. A beautifully written script that would charm any audience.

    What a delightful story about an interaction between a young struggling Beatrix Potter and the over-extended vicar’s wife, Edith. Both have the heart of an artist, and both have fears they must face. A beautifully written script that would charm any audience.

  • Nora Louise Syran: The Beatrix Potter Defense Society

    Teenage Beatrix Potter has "come to [her] spot to figure out a way to stay at the Lakes - forever." Janine Sobeck Knighton's lovely imagery and dialogue captures the beauty of the Lakes, the humor and joy of Benjamin Bunny and his friends in clogs and coats, the isolation of a young artist and the wisdom of a new friend who will help her see that "it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks." If you adore stories about artists and tales full of magic, this play is for you.

    Teenage Beatrix Potter has "come to [her] spot to figure out a way to stay at the Lakes - forever." Janine Sobeck Knighton's lovely imagery and dialogue captures the beauty of the Lakes, the humor and joy of Benjamin Bunny and his friends in clogs and coats, the isolation of a young artist and the wisdom of a new friend who will help her see that "it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks." If you adore stories about artists and tales full of magic, this play is for you.

  • Anastasia Wild: The Beatrix Potter Defense Society

    I fell in love with this play from the opening projections, bringing artwork to life for the audience, and the quick, magical and engaging interactions of the lovely characters! Through enchanting storytelling and witty exchanges, these two strong female characters give their own perspectives on loneliness, isolation, and the roles we are given in life. I adore many quotable lines in this play, but don't want to give all of it away here! Janine Sobeck Knighton excellently writes this period piece that speaks to the beauty and healing artistic endeavors brings to the soul. "You are creating...

    I fell in love with this play from the opening projections, bringing artwork to life for the audience, and the quick, magical and engaging interactions of the lovely characters! Through enchanting storytelling and witty exchanges, these two strong female characters give their own perspectives on loneliness, isolation, and the roles we are given in life. I adore many quotable lines in this play, but don't want to give all of it away here! Janine Sobeck Knighton excellently writes this period piece that speaks to the beauty and healing artistic endeavors brings to the soul. "You are creating worlds."

View all 5 recommendations
BEATRIX (16): A young version of the woman who would grow up to be the beloved children's author and Lake District champion. Wracked with loneliness and fear about her future while nurturing a budding love for the landscape that has filled her summer days.

EDITH (37): Wife of four years to the vicar Hardwicke Drummond Rawnsely. A loving wife and mother who is devoted to her life as vicar's wife and yet struggling under the weight of expectation and responsibility of all her roles.

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Plan B Theatre, Year 2023
  • Type Workshop, Organization An Other Theatre Company's New Play Festival, Year 2023
  • Type Workshop, Organization Utah Valley University, Year 2022

Production History