AGAP Theatre: 'The Margaret Sinclair Story'

The Margaret Sinclair Story is a heart-warming tale of an ordinary working class girl with a big heart for Jesus and for helping others. It was first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016 to packed audiences at St Patrick’s Church in the Cowgate where the body of Venerable Margaret Sinclair is interred. Now, taking over the role from Maryfrances Jennow, the title role is played by Rachel Callaghan – an actual living relative of Margaret Sinclair (2nd cousin) who has played the part on tour since 2017 and in the 2020 video recording made for the Margaret Sinclair Schools Pack by the Office for the Cause of Margaret Sinclair. The play has not been performed live since 2017 but is back due to popular demand.

Margaret’s journey poses the question of every human being – “What is the measure of a life well-lived?” Her story takes us from a childhood in the slums of the Cowgate, through her working years as a furniture polisher and worker in the McVitie’s Biscuit Factory, attending dances and becoming engaged to be married before becoming a nun and eventually dying at the age of just 25 years. Far from being a dreary tale of solemn piety, Margaret’s story is an inspiring one, funny and moving with a down-to-earth model of everyday sanctity brought to life vividly onstage.

Glasgow playwright and performer, Stephen Callaghan (www.stephencallaghan.com) was commissioned by the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh to write The Margaret Sinclair Story in 2016. Since then, it has been performed in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee to high acclaim.

"The response of the audience lining the pews of St Patrick’s is undeniable. For many it is an emotional experience to see their saint brought to life before their eyes."

Published Review: The Scotsman, 2016

Host or Publisher Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project