Performed by Sam Blythe

Adapted and directed by Guy Masterson

(with original direction by Tony Boncza)
From the book by George Orwell

Celebrating 70 years of its publication and 30 since its first performance, Guy Masterson's globally renowned solo adaptation of Orwell's barnyard masterpiece is performed by the brilliant Sam Blythe.

The Women's Voices: a celebration's season will open with an exhibition of “ The Divine Feminine” by Aimee Birnbaum

Aimee focuses on the feminine allure in figures such as the mysterious Dark Lady of Shakespeare, Lilith, and the Shekinah, As well as painting goddesses and mythic women Aimee is fascinated by the stand out personalities of pre-war cafe society and its craze for tango and cabaret.

Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm

Sat - 9am to 5pm

Sunday 2nd Preview: 4pm -6:30pm

“Madame Ida” A film by Lisa Forrell | Q&A after with Artists

(a short film shot in 35mm)

Star of the Ballet Russes opposite Nijinsky, Ida Rubinstein epitomised the Belle Epoque.

Stars Naomi Sorkin as IDA, Celia Imrie, Maryam D'Abo and Angélique Rivoux

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“What I Am” A Film by Jackie Oudney | Q&A after with Artists

A woman suffers amnesia, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and the

reclamation of her agency.

Writer/Director: Jackie Oudney Producer: Victoria Watson Actors: Christine Bottomley,

Anita Vetesse, Silvie Furneaux

A 4 part CBS Limited Series by Tina Andrews

Starring Sam Neil, Carmen Ejogo, Diahann Carroll, Mario Van Peebles

Paris, 1784. Thomas Jefferson was appointed U.S. Ambassador to France. Sally Hemings was his beautiful slave at Monticello. What happens when she escorts his young daughter to Paris where there is no slavery? And what happens when he returns with her to become the third President of the United States?

Created and Directed by Kristin Winters | Devised and Performed by Sarah Kent, Gabrielle Moleta, and Kristin Winters | Sound by Florence Hand | Musical Director Gemma Storr | This is a Bound By Theatre Production.

A multi-generational female ensemble combine physical performance, soundscapes, and visceral imagery in a contemporary exploration of St Hildegard of Bingen, 12th century visionary, composer, and poet.

‘it is difficult not to get swept up in this show, which is sometimes exquisitely moving.’ Lou Reviews

A Female-Led Festival Produced and Presented by The Playground Theatre

Running from the 2nd to 23rd of March 2025

Creative Producer and Curator: Naomi Sorkin | Producer & GM: Helena Hipolito | Associated Producer: Raminder Kaur | Chloe Nelkin PR | Marketing Holly-Anne White

Women's Voices: A Celebration (WVAC) is a pioneering & inspiring festival to coincide with International Women's Day. The event brings together a diverse & exceptional group of female artists from multiple art forms- theatre, music, dance & literature, exhibitions, talks, performances & workshops with communities. 

The lineup features a host of remarkable women from various creative disciplines, each distinguished by their unique voices and powerful storytelling.

Guest Artists: Emily Mann | Stockard Channing | Harriet Walter | Maggie Cole | Brigitte Berman | Lisa Forrell | Tina Andrews | Anni Domingo | Myriam Cyr | Gail Louw | Emily Raymond | Carol Leeming | Nicole Ansari | Kristin Winters | Aimee Birnbaum | Alba Arikha | Arianna Branca | Alla Sirenko | Luba Kuchala | Jackie Oudney | PB Whistle | Nekisha da Costa | Csilla Toldy| Emmett Hughes | Eve Lamb | Julia Tarnoky | Maggie Razavi | Natalie Ava Nasr | Alice Haig | Talitha Wing | Sarah Kent | Gabrielle Moleta | Naomi Sorkin | Celia Imrie | Maryam D’Abo | Charlyne Francis | Katharine Dain

Celebrated Names in History: Lady Murasaki (CMI) St Hildegard Von Bingen (XII) | Émilie du Châtelet (XVIII) | Jane Austen (1775-1817) | Colette (1873 -1954) | Sally Hemings (1773 -1835) | Loie Fuller (1862 - 1928) | Ida Rubinstein (1883 -1960) | Lynn Seymour (1938-2023) | Gloria Steinem (1934)

Written by RB8 | Directed by PB Whistle

Three women connected by blood, spanning over three generations. One running. One yearning. One with a calling. Each must go on a journey if they are to find peace and resolution within themselves.

To date, a significant number of children in the DRC are used as combatants, transports, spies, chefs or sexual slaves within the armed groups and militias. The LOST Lombi lifts the lid on the recruitment of child soldiers while exploring identity, the generational trauma of war, the necessity of belonging and the importance of forgiveness.

Celebrate the legacy of the great Lynn Seymour with film of her iconic performances and a panel discussion featuring collaborators who reflect on her indelible impact.

Lynn Seymour was arguably one of the greatest dramatic dancers of all time. Her incomparable acting ability coupled with her extraordinary musicality made her interpretations unique and unforgettable to everyone who saw her. On this evening of what would have been her 86th birthday, we will share film footage of some of her performances along with sharing memories from friends, colleagues and those inspired by her.

Creative Producer and Curator: Naomi Sorkin 

Choreopoem Monologue Play by Carol Leeming MBE FRSA staged reading & Q&A with Anni Domingo

Dread: causing awful terror, horrific, strong feelings of worry, anxiety or differently feelings of awe, of being greatly regarded Who will ask, who will call?

A solo performance, an exploration, using word, sound, music, physical theatre and still digital visuals, to create a liminal space, to explore a little known in reality, a single act of egregious immensity. Will the Cycle Be Unbroken? This choreopoem play, The Dreadful Dance of Ms. Iniquity, inspired by the violent death of George Floyd, #BLM Black Lives Global Movement and written during the Covid 19 Lockdown. It is presented on the 5th year anniversary in 2025 of these tragic and momentous events.