Margaret Macnamara (playwright)

Margaret Macnamara (1861-1947) was a British playwright and educationalist, primarily known for her children's plays and contributions to educational theatre. Born in Hampstead, London, she was a passionate advocate for using drama as a tool for teaching and social reform. Macnamara wrote numerous plays, often historical or allegorical in nature, designed to be performed by children in schools and community settings. Her works often emphasized moral lessons, historical awareness, and the importance of civic responsibility.

Macnamara was deeply involved in the London County Council (LCC) education system. She believed that drama could improve children's communication skills, confidence, and understanding of the world. Her plays were widely performed in LCC schools and beyond, contributing significantly to the development of children's theatre in the early 20th century. She also wrote books on education and drama, further promoting her ideas about the value of theatrical performance in a child's development. While perhaps less well-known today, Margaret Macnamara was a significant figure in the history of educational drama and children's theatre in Britain.