When Francesca Millican-Slater discovered a postcard in an old junk shop, she had no idea about the journey it would take her on, a journey which brings her to the Highlands later this month.

Back in 2003, while researching a topic for her University course, Francesca bought a second hand postcard for 50p in a knick knack shop in Devon. The postcard, sent from Lincoln to London was addressed to a Miss L Gibbs of 62 Douglas Buildings, Marshalsea Road, Borough. Sent on July 15th 1910, the message on the back reads: ‘Be Careful Tomorrow. A.C.’

On Tuesday 25 June at the Highland Archive Centre, Inverness, Francesca will tell the audience how she began re-tracing the steps of the postcard, travelling from Lincoln to London searching for A.C., Douglas Buildings and why Miss Gibbs should be careful tomorrow. She documented her journey; the people she met, the things she found, and the stories she heard.

Part lecture, part personal biography, part detective noir this performance charts the changes that have been made in research, researching and Francesca herself since she began trying to find Miss Gibbs 10 years ago.

With the release of the 1911 census she found out more than she ever thought possible about Miss Gibbs; why she had to be careful, what happened to her and where she went.

In Me, Myself and Miss Gibbs Francesca takes the audience with her on this intricate, fascinating journey, gently questioning how we remember those that went before us and how we might like to be remembered ourselves.

The performance, promoted by Play Pieces with support from The Touring Network of the Highlands & Islands, also includes a post-show discussion about archive materials and a display by the Highland Archive Centre. Lindsay Brown of Play Pieces hopes the show will encourage more people to access and use the Archive centre as well as see more Theatre.

Francesca’s compelling writing style and humorous presence makes this an engaging and highly enjoyable one-woman show that offers something for everyone.

Me, Myself and Miss Gibbs is on Tuesday 25 June, from 7pm – 9pm at the Highland Archive Centre, Inverness. Tickets cost £10/8 and are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/64878 or on the door.

Source: Play Pieces