‘Saucy Mistress Boldface’
EDWARD SYNGE’S LETTERS TO HIS DAUGHTER ALICIA, 1746-1752
RTE Lyric FM Broadcast, 6pm Sunday 4th April 2021
Dr Jane Maxwell gave a talk to Trinity Women Graduates and the Friends of the Libary in TCD in 2019, entitled ‘Dear Giddy Brat’. It was about a very precious collection of letters held in the college library which provide a unique window into Georgian life in Ireland in the 1740s and 1750s. These letters were written by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Elphin, Edward Synge, to his only surviving child of six children, a teenage daughter Alicia. Alicia’s mother, Jane Curtis, had died when she was a young child, so there were just the two of them when the letters were written and they chart her growth to womanhood. These letters illustrate a deep and affectionate relationship between father and daughter. There is much teasing and banter between them. His affection for her trips off every page. He calls her, Dear Miss Slyboots, his little bee, Dear Giddy Brat, Boldface, Huzzy, Saucy, Mistress and Mumper when she has toothache.
Inspired by Dr Maxwell’s lecture, producer and former TWG President 2019, Angie Mezzetti, decided to bring these letters to life, producing a radio documentary - Saucy Mistress Boldface. Tune in to RTE Lyric FM this Sunday the 4th of April, when Saucy Mistress Boldface will be broadcast on the Lyric Feature, RTE Lyric FM’s weekly documentary slot. These letters are brought to life by actor Simon Coury in the role of the Bishop.
The documentary is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
Angie Mezzetti, Producer & TWG President 2019; (L) Bishop Synge’s letter to Alicia, 28th July 1747 (M); Simon Coury, Actor, Voice of Bishop Synge (R).
Funded by the BAI Sound and Vision Funding Scheme.
Dear Giddy Brat / Saucy Mistress Boldface will be broadcast on Sunday 4th April 2021 at 6pm as the Lyric Feature on RTE Lyric FM.
Produced and Presented by Angie Mezzetti, CEO Ocarina Productions.
Sound editing - Patrick Wall; Contributors - Dr Jane Maxwell, Assistant Librarian, the Library of Trinity College Dublin; Dr Triona O’Hanlon, Violinist and Music Historian; Alex Ward, National Museum of Ireland; Simon Coury, Actor and voice of the Bishop of Elphin Edward Synge.
