Kate Danley presents Madam(e) Lou at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a bold new solo show that uncovers the hidden history of one of Seattle’s most influential and overlooked figures.
Written and performed by Danley, a USA Today bestselling author and Panowski Playwriting Award winner, the production tells the true story of Lou Graham, a frontier-era businesswoman whose legacy has largely been erased from official histories. Blending humour with historical insight, the show offers a fresh perspective on power, gender and the narratives society chooses to remember.
Drawing on more than a decade of research, Danley’s work explores how Graham, a bordello owner and financial powerhouse, helped shape Seattle’s development during its formative years. Despite her significant contributions, including influencing infrastructure and economic growth, her story was sidelined due to her association with the sex trade.
Through Madam(e) Lou, Danley aims to reclaim Graham’s place in history, highlighting her progressive views on racial equality, social justice and women’s independence. The show reflects on the importance of preserving overlooked voices, particularly as cities evolve and histories risk being forgotten.
Combining storytelling with wit, the production offers audiences an engaging and thought-provoking experience, appealing to fans of accessible historical formats such as You’re Dead to Me and Horrible Histories.
Madam(e) Lou runs at The Annexe at Paradise in The Vault from 17 – 30 August at 20:15. Tickets are on sale here
