Mrs Beeton at Peckover House

How could one Victorian book manage to revolutionise our homes and our lives?

How did the advice of one woman change domestic life for so many?

A play to be staged at the National Trust’s Peckover House in Wisbech on Friday, October 16, will be answering some of these questions.

“Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management changed the way all women – from the mistress of the house, to the humblest of kitchen maids – conducted their domestic lives,” said playwright and actress Linda Ekins.

“It is as well-known today as it was in the 1860s when first published.”

But how was all this advice received by the people who spent their lives in domestic service?

In her new play, ‘Plum Pudding and Pies,’ Linda, with her fellow actors, allows us a trip back in time to take a peek into the Victorian world and find out.

She will be playing the cook, while Richard Basey-Fisher and Jo Sherry play Mr and Mrs Beeton and Lynne Pain plays the maid of all work.

‘Plum Pudding and Pies’ will be presented by Linda Ekins’ group LEADA at 7pm on October 16 in the library at Peckover House in North Brink, Wisbech.

Further information and tickets at £10 can be obtained from phoning Peckover House on 01945 583463.

n There’s a chance to look behind the scenes at Peckover House on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18.

Parts of the property not usually open to visitors will be available to explore between 1pm and 2.30pm – cost, £3 plus normal admission.

Please note the tour will involve several flights of stairs. Call 01945 583463 for details.