Turning Point: A Ghastly Mistake

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Turning Point

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First of Millions

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A Ghastly Mistake

BBC Radio 4 - Turning Point, A Ghastly Mistake

Born Elizabeth in 1912, Ewan Forbes defends his claim to the family baronetcy as heir-male

Born Elizabeth Forbes in 1912,  Dr Ewan Forbes went to the Scottish courts to protect his marriage, his practice and above all his claim to be heir-male to the Craigevar Baronetcy.

Born Elizabeth Forbes in 1912,  Dr Ewan Forbes goes to the Scottish courts to protect his marriage, his practice and above all his claim to be heir-male to the Craigevar Baronetcy.

In 1967, John Forbes Sempill takes out a civil court case against his cousin, Ewan to establish his right to inherit the Baronetcy of Craigievar in Scotland - a title which could only be passed down the male line. Ewan, otherwise next in line, was registered at birth as Elizabeth, a girl. But, from the age of 6 he has lived as boy and man. A qualified GP he has successfully amended his birth certificate and married his housekeeper “Patty”. 

The sudden death of Ewan’s older brother, William Baronet of Craigevar, instantly changes Ewan’s quiet rural life. His cousin challenges for the title, claiming that Ewan is female and cannot inherit.  Ewan feels obliged to defend his position - to protect his marriage, his way of life and his identity.  

The hearing may be held “in camera” out of the public gaze, but the testimony from the court records, reveals a disturbing  personal examination and enquiry for both Ewan and Patty. The play presents  their personal struggle to confirm Ewan’s gender and preserve the legality of their marriage against their moral obligations in the eyes of God to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  

Nicholas McInerney’s new play looks at the events of Ewan’s life through the eyes of the late Gwendolyn Forbes Sempill, formidable as Ewan’s mother and champion. It intertwines scenes from childhood with critical moments of the hearing taken verbatim from the court transcript. 

Interpolated throughout the play are moments of verbatim testimony from people identifying as “trans”, from the 1950s to today.

With Frances Barbour and Kit Green.

An International Arts Partnership production for BBC Radio 4

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