Rachel Manteuffel gives a fetching and formidable performance as Grace O’Malley in A Most Notorious Woman, part of the Capital Fringe Festival. And we’re better for it – after all, who doesn’t want to hear about the adventures of a spitfire, 16th century female pirate?

A Most Notorious Woman, written by playwright Maggie Cronin, has a rather fluid structure, jumping quickly from present time to the past, from Ireland to England, without much warning. At times, proceedings can get a bit confusing, as our leading lady is forced to switch between characters often with no time to compose herself between transitions. Manteuffel is charged with taking the form of O’Malley, her father, a trusty narrator and even the Queen of England, and she dons the various roles with much aplomb.

The story can meander a bit, but the play consistently has the feel of a bedtime story of sorts. The imagery can be at times so vivid that imagining Woolly Mammoth’s rehearsal hall as the sea itself never feels too much of a stretch. And even when the story wanes, we have Manteuffel, with her charming brogue and ceaseless energy, for company.

A Most Notorious Woman‘s remaining shows are tonight at 5 p.m., Friday at 10 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets are available online.