FWA CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AND WORLD THEATRE DAY
Every March we celebrate Women’s History Month. The team at FWA find this commemoration incredibly meaningful as it reminds us to reflect not only on the incredible contributions of women throughout history – those whose stories have been overlooked, erased, or simply forgotten – but also on the outstanding theatre work our clients produce that bring these vital stories to life. This month, and always, we celebrate both the women of history and the contemporary voices that ensure their stories are never silenced.
We are delighted to spotlight some of the remarkable theatre works developed by our clients. These pieces shine a light on strong, complex women, often navigating a world that sought to diminish their achievements. From operas and musicals to plays and soundscapes, these stories are reshaping the narrative, one woman at a time.
OH MY NELLIE BLY
OH MY NELLIE BLY celebrates the extraordinary life of Nellie Bly, America’s first female investigative journalist. Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century, this musical tells the inspiring story of how Bly overcame the barriers of gender and class to become a trailblazer in the world of journalism. With its rich and varied characters, this production is perfect for a large ensemble cast, offering numerous significant roles for women. Both comic and tragic, her story is a testament to perseverance and ambition in a male-dominated profession.
DANGEROUS DAUGHTERS
The Pankhurst family were at the forefront of the suffrage movement, but their personal stories are equally compelling. DANGEROUS DAUGHTERS explores the lives and relationships of Christabel, Sylvia, and Adela Pankhurst, set against the tumult of the First World War and the growing suffragette movement. This powerful musical brings the Pankhurst legacy to life, showcasing the sacrifices and struggles of the women behind the movement’s success. With a cast full of strong, dynamic female characters, this production is ideal for a large ensemble, offering a wealth of opportunities for actresses to bring these inspiring women’s stories to the stage.
Composed by: Annemarie Lewis Thomas
Written by: Nick Stimson
Annemarie Lewis Thomas is a published composer and lyricist as well as a prolific Musical Director and arranger. She has composed musicals for productions in London, European tours, regional theatre, pantomimes, and commissions for youth & student productions. She has worked as Musical Director for several productions including THE WIZARD OF OZ, OLIVER!, and BILLIE THE KID in the West End.
Nick Stimson is a freelance playwright, theatre director, and poet. He has written musicals, directed community projects, and worked with major institutions like Theatre Royal Plymouth. His awards include the Off West End Award for Best New Musical, two major Barclays Awards, The Vivian Ellis Prize and the Medal of Culture of the Polish Congress.
THEODORA
Set in the Byzantine Empire, THEODORA is an inspiring and timely story of a woman who wielded power, wisdom, and resilience during a period dominated by men. Workshopped by DSL and directed by Clemmie Reynolds, this project in development underscores the lasting lessons for 21st-century women, revealing the untold history of Theodora, Empress of Byzantium. Through Clemmie’s creative lens, THEODORA is not only a historical exploration but a powerful statement on the strength of women who break boundaries and define their legacy.
Written & Directed by: Clemmie Reynolds
Clemmie is an experienced director and dramaturg, with a keen interest in new writing. She has directed the classics, Shakespeare, and new plays. Recent work in 2024 includes directing her new play THEODORA at the Courtyard Theatre with the MA students from Drama Studio London and her new adaptation of THE JOLLY POSTMAN, in a production at the OSO Arts Centre. Clemmie has also worked as Dramaturg and Assistant Director on productions for major theatres such as the Globe Theatre.
REBEL
REBEL, an opera in development, tells the story of the indomitable Ethel Smyth—one of the most famous figures of the suffragette movement and a pioneering composer. This new work composed by Chloe Knibbs, inspired by Smyth’s life and music, explores her relentless fight for women’s rights and her groundbreaking achievements in a male-dominated field. A recent preview of the opera, The Stormy Petrel, was presented at the 2024 Smyth Symposium in Dublin, marking 80 years since Smyth’s death and celebrating her profound impact on both the feminist and musical landscapes.
UNSUNG: UNSUNG & UNSUNG: BLUE LIAS from VIOLA DIALOGUES: STORIES
In this stunning collection of works, UNSUNG: UNSUNG & UNSUNG: BLUE LIAS brings to the fore the story of Mary Anning, a pioneering paleontologist whose groundbreaking discoveries were largely overshadowed during her lifetime. Through music by Sun Keiting and a libretto by Teresa Howard, the project honors Anning’s legacy and highlights the struggles of women in science who, like Anning, often went unrecognized for their contributions.
REBEL Composed by Chloe Knibbs, UNSUNG Composed by Sun Keiting Libretti by: Teresa Howard
Teresa is a writer, librettist, and lyricist with a background as a performer in devised physical theatre. Her recent projects include the libretto for SACRED THREADS, performed as part of Laura Reid’s song cycle, and THE WALL, composed by Chloe Knibbs. In 2022 she devised GHOSTWOOD, an Immersive VR Project for the Mayor of London’s Liberty Festival and MINI-BREAK, a One Act Opera Libretto for composer and Hallé orchestra violist Victoria Bernath.
HER DAY
Sayan Kent’s collaboration with Vanessa Oakes for the new opera HER DAY explores the often-overlooked narratives of women’s lives through a haunting and beautiful opera score. As a composer who has explored themes of Black women’s struggles, particularly through HECUBA BIRANGONA with Kali Theatre, Kent’s work offers a deep and poignant reflection on the lives of women caught in historical turmoil. HER DAY is a stunning tribute to the strength, pain, and perseverance of women, written by two women.
Words by Vanessa Oakes Music by: Sayan Kent
Sayan is a British Asian composer, lyricist, and writer for television, film, and theatre. Her diverse body of work includes ANTIGONE’S SISTER and her children’s play STRIPEY HONEY … IS VERY YUMMY. Sayan’s opera MAGGIE MAYreceived glowing reviews at the Liverpool Royal Court.
LADY MACBETH UNCUT
What if we could hear Lady Macbeth’s voice, unfiltered, as she tells her own story? In LADY MACBETH UNCUT, Cat Clancy’s reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic sheds light on the real Lady Macbeth, offering a powerful, nuanced exploration of her life and motivations. This new perspective challenges historical interpretations and brings a much-needed voice to one of Shakespeare’s most misunderstood characters.
Written by: Catriona Clancy
Catriona is a writer and actor of Irish heritage, gaining early recognition for her writing when she won the BBC National Radio Critic of the Year Award at just 16. Her recent work includes LADY MACBETH UNCUT, a retelling of Shakespeare’s tale from Lady Macbeth’s perspective, and a forthcoming adaptation of NINE FOLDS MAKE A PAPER SWAN. Catriona is also an accomplished actor, having toured with Sir Peter Hall’s Company and performed in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and BLITHE SPIRIT.
THE RAINBOW
In THE RAINBOW, Nicola Werenowska adapts D.H. Lawrence’s novel to focus on the complex lives of three generations of Polish women. The work paints an evocative portrait of family, identity, and the role of women through the lens of cultural and historical shifts.
Adapted by: Nicola Werenowska
Nicola is an experienced writer, director, and playwright. She is known for her work in regional theatre and with Graeae Theatre Company, often focusing on writing for young people. Recent plays include the accessible adaptation of THE SECRET GARDEN at Bury St Edmunds in 2023 and a fully accessible musical adaptation for the deaf community, of ALICE IN WONDERLAND at Derby Playhouse in 2024.
WHATSHERNAME
WHATSHERNAME is a heart-warming new musical comedy that follows the story of the first woman to perform Shakespeare’s work. Written by Annabelle Terry, this play with songs is a celebration of female trailblazers in the world of theatre, reminding us that behind every great performance is a woman who fought for the chance to be heard.
Written by Annabelle Terry, Musical Director: Adam Howell
Adam Howell is a musical director, composer, and lyricist. He has worked on several productions, including the adaptation of ANGELA’S ASHES, BLONDE, and EDUCATING YORKSHIRE.
A BOTTLE OF WINE AND PATSY CLINE
Morag Fullarton’s hit show A BOTTLE OF WINE AND PATSY CLINE tells the story of Patsy Cline, one of the most iconic female country singers of all time. Through the music and the intimate portrayal of Cline’s life, Fullarton gives audiences a glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs of this groundbreaking artist.
Written by: Morag Fullarton
Morag Fullarton is a Glasgow-based director and writer who has directed theatre, film, and television throughout the UK and abroad for many years. She has directed for the BBC, including RIVER CITY, and worked on the BAFTA award nominated returning series SCOTT & BAILEY and the Emmy award nominated production AT HOME WITH THE BRAITHWAITES.
These are just a few of the talented creatives behind incredible works centred around women’s stories.
FWA is proud to champion projects that ensure women from history are heard, seen, and remembered.