Three productions about women, written by women
In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Cambridge Arts Theatre will host a series of three productions – all of them about remarkable women and each written by a celebrated female playwright.
Running 7-11 March is Silver Lining, a heartwarming play by comedian, broadcaster and political activist Sandi Toksvig. Noticing that there weren’t enough roles for older female actresses, Toksvig decided to tackle the problem head-on with her own play, set in a retirement home during a terrible storm, in which five elderly ladies trade stories about their remarkable lives. As the flood waters rise, they realise that no one is coming to save them, so they take matters into their own hands.
A mixture of poignant moments and hilarious anecdotes, and with Toksvig’s razor-sharp wit showing through the script, Silver Lining is brought to the stage by the English Touring Theatre. Toksvig describes the play as “The Great Escape – senior citizen style. It makes you laugh but hopefully it makes you think.”
Next up, from 14 to 18 March, is Escaped Alone, the new production from feted playwright Caryl Churchill. The action takes place in a sunny suburban garden, in which four women of advancing age sip tea and chat. Quickly you realise that the humdrum scene belies the insidious mood of impending catastrophe – both in the women’s individual lives and on a global scale. From banal anxieties to planetary apocalypse, Escaped Alone packs a lot into its short (50 minute) time frame, offering riveting glimpses into the women’s backstories throughout.
Finally, from 21 to 25 March, it’s the turn of Nell Gwynn; Jessica Swale’s bawdy comedy which tells the story of an unlikely heroine who stole the heart of King Charles II. Starring Laura Pitt-Pulford as Nell, this play won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and is brought to the Arts Theatre by English Touring Theatre.
To accompany the series there will be a range of talks and interviews with directors, actors and producers, as well as leading arts professionals. Check out the Arts Theatre website for all the details.
