Feminist Theatre - Then and Now

With an overview of half a century of women’s theatre, this book pays tribute to feminist theatre makers in the UK and Ireland. The pioneers, and leading lights of the newly energised feminist theatre movement, share their struggle to make their voices heard, have their work produced professionally, and promote social justice.

With 30+ essays and interviews and many rare photographs from historic productions, this book offers insight into the lived experience of women working in theatre, and what it takes to rise in an industry where race, class, gender, and parenthood can be serious obstacles to success.

Introduction by Elaine Aston

Asian Women’s Theatre in Britain by Rukhsana Ahmad 

Derby Theatre by Sarah Brigham 

Interview with Moira Buffini

Intersectional Feminism at Work by Kelly Burke

The Personal was very Political by Clair Chapwell 

Behind The Lines by Alison Child 

How Feminism has influenced my Playwriting by April de Angelis 

Interview with Suzanne Gorman 

Clean Break by Anna Herrmann 

The Women in Theatre Lab by Polly Kemp and Jennifer Tuckett 

Interview with Hannah Khalil 

Persistence, Expression and Evolution by Peta Lily 

Interview with Roberta Livingston 

Ecofeminism in Theatre by Bibi Lucille 

The Third World of Irish Women by Jaki McCarrick 

Monstrous Regiment by Mary McCusker 

Open Clasp Theatre Company by Catrina McHugh 

Interview with Suzie Miller 

Interview with Ann Mitchell 

Interview with Rebecca Mordan 

Interview with Amy Ng 

Untold Stories by Maeve O’Neill 

Girls’ Night Out by Rachel O’Regan 

Interview with Kaite O’Reilly 

Sphinx by Sue Parrish and Susan McGoun 

Interview with Julia Pascal 

Out of the Attic – WTW by Cheryl Robson and Anna Birch 

Scylla’s Bite by Rebekah Smith and Abbie Lowe 

Interview with Dame Rosemary Squire 

Women in their own Words by Lucy Stevens 

Stellar Quines & After by Gerda Stevenson 

Differences Matter by SuAndi 

Theatre from a Lesbian Perspective by Clare Summerskill

Interview with Imy Wyatt Corner