A discussion about women in theatre, playreadings, and Q&A

A packed evening of delights and conversation about Women in Theatre to celebrate the launch of the new play collection: Sphinx Plays: six classic feminist plays

A selection of readings and songs from past productions.

Panel Speakers: Timberlake Wertenbaker, April de Angelis, Bryony Lavery, Kendall Feaver

Interlocutor: Brigid Larmour

Book sales and book signing

About the book:

Bringing together an extraordinary line-up of voices, this collection showcases the power, wit and range of contemporary feminist playwriting, the volume features work from leading writers including Bryony Lavery, April De Angelis, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Jackie Kay, Diane Esguerra and Pam Gems — each offering a distinct, provocative lens on women’s lives, histories and futures.

With an introduction by Sue Parrish, the anthology charts the evolution of one feminist theatre company across decades of artistic innovation and political change. These plays challenge assumptions, reclaim narratives, and celebrate the radical imagination at the heart of women’s writing for the stage.

A vital resource for theatre-makers, students and readers alike, this collection stands as a testament to the enduring force of feminist creativity.

Sphinx Theatre Company

Founded as The Women’s Theatre Group in 1974 Sphinx Theatre Company, relaunched as Sphinx Theatre Company in 1990, has been in the vanguard of promoting, advocating and inspiring women in the arts through productions, conferences and research for more than 40 years. 2022 saw the Sphinx 30 programme support 30 writers to create 30 new pieces of work for the stage. Sphinx continues into its fifth decade of supporting and inspiring women in the arts.

Reviews

“Timberlake Wertenbaker’s fascinating and beautifully written play is the most remarkable piece I’ve watched this year.” ~ The Times

“[Playhouse Creatures] is a play that exudes a love of the trade, from sawdust to the stars, as well as serving as a reminder of a turning point in theatre history,

when these women were regarded simultaneously as trailblazers, renegades and oddities akin to dancing bears.” ~ The Guardian

“Bryony Lavery’s startling portrait of “this sceptr’d isle” in Annie Castledine’s compelling production teems with life…” ~ The Independent

“Diane Esguerra seems to be ahead of the game having turned Freud’s 1905 study Fragments of Analysis of Hysteria into a gripping piece of chamber theatre.” ~ The Times Literary Supplement

Description supplied by the event organiser.