Written and composed by Sunshine Coast locals Katy Forde and Aleathea Monsour, A
Girl’s Guide to World War, reveals the true story of history-making doctors, Lillian
Cooper and Agnes Bennett.

In 1891, Dr Cooper became Queensland’s first female doctor and Australia’s first female
surgeon. She was also a smoking, swearing, rev-head lesbion, who was nevertheless
warmly embraced by Brisbane society of the day.

Sydney’s Dr Bennett had a different experience, forced to leave Australia to pursue her
medical career due to the prejudices of the time.

With the world at war in 1916, both tried to sign up for the official war effort, but were
rejected.

Undaunted, they made their way to the Serbian frontline, where together they ran a
suffragette-funded all-women hospital so close to the action that it was under constant
threat of air raids – and yet it became a model for other Army hospitals.

Despite the war setting of this acclaimed musical production, the story is alive with the
character and humour and loves of its extraordinary protagonists, says Katy.

“It’s just a rollicking good story, inspiring and uplifting, and weaved around some stirring
live music from the award-winning all girl band, Vix and the Slick Chix,” said Katy.

Produced by the Sunshine Coast-based Musical Theatre Australia, A Girl’s Guide to
World War is the culmination of a painstaking decade of research by Katy and Aleathea.

Along with Dr Bennett who ran the Serbian frontline hospital and Dr Cooper who served
as Chief Surgeon, the show highlights the role of Dr Cooper’s life partner, Miss
Josephine Bedford, who also went to the Serbian frontline and ran the hospital’s
ambulance service.

All three returned as decorated war heroes.

“These women were bold and brave. And yet so few people know about their incredible
achievements.

“We really want everyone – and especially every woman – to know about them,’ said
Katy. “That’s why we are so excited to take this show on tour in Queensland in 2025.”

After its first run on the Sunshine Coast, A Girl’s Guide to World War won two Matilda
Awards. It was the first ever regional musical to win the Matilda for Best New Australian
Work, while also picking up a Best Supporting Actress Matilda for Susie French as Dr
Lilian Cooper.

On the back of that success, Katy and Aleathea secured funding to take the show on
tour in 2025, with performances in Caloundra, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone, the
Redlands and at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre in Brisbane.

VENUE: The Events Centre, Caloundra
DATE & TIME: Friday 14 March – 7pm & Saturday 15 March – 2pm | TICKETS: From $30
BOOKINGS: Call 07 5491 4240 or visit www.theeventscentre.com.au

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
For interviews or images please contact marketing:
(07) 5491 4240 | marketing@theeventscentre.com.au