Love can poison. Love can cure.

1659. Rome.

The Manco sisters are living quiet lives as beauticians, assisting the women of Rome with their spots as well as their unwanted husbands. A witch hunt begins to round up the poisoners trained by Guiliana Tofana, throwing the sisters into a dangerous game. One turns to her lover-- a nobleman with plans of his own. The other finds solace in two unlikely friends-- a servant from far away and a woman slowly fading away in her unhappy marriage.

Clementina Manco, an expert poisoner, offers assistance in the one way she knows how-- setting off a chain of events that could lead to doom for all at the hands of a powerful man. Blood spills, bodies are turned into vessels instead of humans, and the will of the women is tested against their greatest enemy.

Love.

Love can poison. Love can cure.

Content warning : This play deals with topics such as women’s bodily autonomy, sexual assault/rape, murder, miscarriage, and forced pregnancy.

In association with

We present Aqua Sorella

Tired Horses Theatre is delighted to announce a new collaboration with fellow Glasgow-based production company, People Make Theatre, to present a rehearsed reading of Aqua Sorella, a powerful new play by the talented Allie Willison.

This production represents a significant moment for both companies as we join forces to promote an uplift a full brand new play from our very own Glasgow theatre community. We are particularly excited to be producing this poignant and entertaining work, which focuses on the issues of woman’s bodily autonomy within the unique and compelling setting of Renaissance Rome.

People Make Theatre brings invaluable experience and a fantastic promotional platform to this project, and we are thrilled to partner with a company that shares our mission of championing bold new voices in the arts.

What you need to know

Running Time

Approximately two hours 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval

Suitable for ages

16+

Access FOR THE Performance

Access is via a flight of stairs.

Date

1st of October 2025

Venue

Nice N Sleazy

421 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3LG

tickets

Pay what you can!

Suggested fee of £10

£1.88 processing fee.

  • Clementina Manco - Laura J Milton

    Vittoria Manco - Trystan Youngjohn

    Lorenza Orsini - Rohanne Woods

    Diego Brasa - TBA

    Cesare Orsini - Jamie Cowan

  • Allie Willison - Playwright

    Mikael Phillips - Director

    Joseph Madders - Producer