I am super, duper, well-proper chuffed to bits to have received an Arts Council Grant for the Arts to research, develop and write my next play. I am collaborating with actor Barbara Marten to co-conceive, create and devise a new piece of writing that examines the challenges facing women working in British politics today. Barbara recently starred as the professional lead in Everything is Possible, the large-scale community show (★★★★ Pilot Theatre and York Theatre Royal co-production), that told the forgotten story of the York Suffragette branch. Maiden Speeches is a sister piece to this play; it looks at how today's female politicians function within the traditions of the House, and considers the different ways in which we can all find ways to speak up and make our voices heard.
Also on the Maiden Speeches team is director Eleanor Rhode (currently directing Boudica at The Globe Theatre), and producer Tara Finney(currently producing Disco Pigs at The Trafalgar Studios). This exciting R&D process is being supported and hosted by York Theatre Royal and we also have mentorship and support from the recently re-elected York Central MP Rachael Maskell.
Watch this space for more exciting updates!
#MaidenSpeeches
