Theatre events and listings
Dance Listings | Film Listings | Literature Listings | Music Listings | Theatre Listings | Vis Arts Listings
Please note that this programme for International Women's Month may be subject to alteration and it is advisable to ring and check beforehand.
Now - 14 Mar
THE SOLDIER WITH NO NAME
Theatre: The Soldier With No Name is based on the story of French surrealist couple Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore - two female artists in a male-dominated world - and their resistance campaign against the Nazis in occupied Jersey (Cahun was from a prominent Jewish family). Despite their pioneering work, they remain relatively unknown in the English-speaking world. Told through puppetry, dance, physical theatre and storytelling, the piece explores ideas of identity and the relationship between art and socio-political change. Wheelchair accessible. Venue: Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Rd, Camberwell, London, SE5 0XT, entrance on Thompson Ave (tube: Oval (Northern Line). 8pm. Adm: £8, conc £6. Free to under 26s. Info: 0207 701 0100.
Now - 15 Mar
DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN
The return of the Broadway and West End legend on the battle of the sexes, starring much-loved actor, comedian and TV personality Mark Little. Venue: LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (Travel-tube: Leicester Square). 7.30pm, mat 3pm, Sunday 5pm. Adm: £25-£35. Info: 0844 847 2475
Wed 4 - 8 & 10 - 29 Mar
WHERE'S MY DESI SOULMATE?
It used to be so simple: boy meets girl over a plate of samosas in Auntie Bilma's living room. Now there are all kinds of routes to finding 'The One'. From dating websites to speed dating, the path to true love never has been so complicated. Written by Sonia Likhari and Harvey Virdi. Venues: The Drum, Birmingham, Info: 0121 333 2444; (10 -29 Mar) Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN Travel: Stratford (Central line, Jubilee line, Overground, DLR & mainline). 7.30pm, mats 3pm. Info: 0208 534 0310.
Sat 7 Mar
JOSIE LONG
Comedy from Gary Delaney and Tim Vine. Charlie Baker compere. Venue: LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (travel-tube: Leicester Square). 10pm (9.45pm doors). Adm: £12.50. Info: 0844 847 2475.
Sun 8 Mar
CELEBRITY FUNNY WOMEN
A host of well-loved female celebrities face the challenge of performing live stand-up alongside professional comedians, presented by Funny Women in support of ActionAid. Venue: The London Studios, Upper Ground, London SE1 9LT. 7pm-10.45pm. Info:
Fri 13 - 15 Mar
ROKEYA'S DREAM
'Rokeya's Dream' is a play set in Bengal that reverses the roles of men and women. Men are kept in 'purdah' and waste time in warfare whilst women govern the country creating green cities using solar energy. Though written 100 years ago, the theme is contemporary and timeless, highlighting issues very pertinent in today's world. Venue: BRADY ARTS CENTRE, 192-196 Hanbury Street, London E1 5HU. 7.30pm. Adm: Free. Info: 0207 364 7900
Tues 17 Mar - 4 Apr
THE DUCHESS OF MALFI
Theatre: London 1939, on the eve of war. The Duchess, a widow, finds love in the arms of her servant Antonio: their dangerous love affair is played out against the darkness of a world that forbids them to be together. John Webster's gripping and powerful Jacobean tragedy is re-imagined in 1940s England in a production using movement, visual art and an original score. This dark and passionate play follows the Duchess's tragic spiral of reputation, love and ultimately death. Wheelchair accessible. Venue: Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Rd, Camberwell, London, SE5 0XT, entrance on Thompson Ave (tube: Oval (Northern Line). 8pm. Adm: £10-£12, conc £9. FREE tickets for those under 26. Info: 0207 701 0100.
Thurs 19 Mar
THE STORY OF MARIE LLOYD
Marie Lloyd lives again in this popular celebrated Olivier Award nominated show, which features all her famous songs: 'Don't Dilly Dally on the Way', 'Oh! Mr. Porter', 'A Little of What you Fancy does you Good', and 'The Boy I Love is Up in the Gallery', performed by Elizabeth Mansfield with Stephen Rose at the piano. Venue: RICH MIX, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, London E1 6LA. 7.30pm. Adm: ££12/£10 concs. Info: 0207 613 7498.
Sat 21 Mar
NINA CONTI
The best late-night comedy in Leicester Square. With Milton Jones and Andrew Maxwell. Compere Phil Kay. Venue: LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (travel-tube: Leicester Square). 10pm (9.45pm doors). Adm: £12.50. Info: 0844 847 2475.
Thurs 26 - 27 Mar
THE MAIDS
Theatre: Written by French author Jean Genet in 1947, this play is based on the Papin sisters, Lea and Christine, envious maids to the wealthy, self centered and imperious Madame, who brutally murdered their employer and her daughter in Le Mans, in France, in 1933. A stylized, expressionist performance set in ancient Indian times and the early 1990s produced by Phizzical Productions. Venue: RICH MIX, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, London E1 6LA. 7.30pm. Adm: £12/£10 concs. Info: 0207 613 7498.
APRIL
Thurs 2 - 4 Apr
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
Starring Sharon D Clarke, Jessie Wallace and Jocelyn Jee. As sharp as Sex and the City and as unmissable as Friends -bring your mum, your best friend, your sister or even your granny - this is the ultimate girls night out... trust us! Based on author Eve Ensler's 'Vagina Interviews' conducted with women from all around the world, this hilariously witty and moving collection of tales gives voice to a chorus of lusty, outrageous, poignant, brave and thoroughly human stories. A staggering number of the world's most famous and talented women, from Kate Winslet and Whoopi Goldberg to Sophie Dahl and Jerry Hall have chosen to take part in the show in New York, Los Angeles and London. Now you can see this wonderful production on the Hackney Empire stage with an all star cast. See it even if you haven't got one'. Venue: HACKNEY EMPIRE Theatre, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ. Various times: 8pm, 6pm, 9pm. Adm: £19.50, conc £17.50. Info: 0208 985 2424.
Fri 6 - 25 Apr
PRIVATE THOUGHTS
Eric Godber is a decent man plagued by an indecent obsession. As he struggles to confront his inner impulses - shocking as they are to him - a woman fights to free him of them. The action, a battle of wits between a white middle aged professional and a younger black therapist, takes place in a private clinic. To penetrate the walls of resistance that Eric has built around himself, Dr Chase is compelled to push them both to the limit in order to break through: a provocative line of attack that could unleash a violent reaction... Written by Alex Martinez Directed by Kevin Hely. Venue: STUDIO THEATRE at the Hackney Empire Theatre, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ. 7.45pm (last nite at7:45 pm & 10pm). Adm: £12.50, conc: £10.50; £5 Mondays! Info: 0208 985 2424.
Sat 18 Apr
LA BELLE ET LA BÊTE
FILM: An alternative take on Beauty and the Beast, this fairytale for adults compels the kind of belief that children's imaginations experience instinctively. (Jean Cocteau, 1946) B&W, cert U, 90 mins. Venue: THE NATIONAL GALLERY, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN. Info: 0207 747 2885/ www.nationalgallery.org.uk/what/film
Sat 18 Apr
JO JO IN THE STARS
FILM The heart-wrenching story of two unlikely lovers. Venue: THE NATIONAL GALLERY, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN. Info: 0207 747 2885/ www.nationalgallery.org.uk/what/film
Thurs 16 - 18 Apr
BLUE CASE
Dance: Showcasing the work of three female choreographers: Angela Blumberg: Ink - Prince -Kampantoman; Anita van de Watering: Essence; Vanessa Abreu: I. Standing Woman Dressed in Black II. Seated Female Wearing Dark Dress III. Kneeling Woman in Underwear, Front View. A haunting, intuitive and insightful solo, expressive of inner states, reminiscences and drawing from diverse influences of film and sound. Venue: BLUE ELEPHANT THEATRE, 59a Bethwin Rd, Camberwell, London, SE5 0XT, entrance on Thompson Ave (tube: Oval (Northern Line). 8pm. Adm: £8, conc £7. FREE tickets for those under 26. Info: 0207 701 0100.
MAY
Sun 17, 24, 31 May & 7 June
JUDITH JACOB YABBA YABBAS WITH FRIENDS
Experienced actress Judith talks to singers, actors and comedians to find out what makes them tick. Judith uses her infectious personality to interview two of her showbiz friends each night and ask the questions you've always wanted to know and those you didn't! Guests include Felix Dexter, Janet Kay, Leo Muhammad, Curtis Walker, Wayne Marshall who will be sharing some of their most intimate and memorable experiences as well as giving a live performance. The night will also feature the freshest and hottest new talent. Venue: STUDIO THEATRE at Hackney Empire Theatre, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ. 8pm. Adm: £8.50 Info: 0208 985 2424.
Sun 24 May
KHADIJA IS 18
Two teenage refugee girls, in London's East End compete for boys, friends and a place in multicultural Britain. By Shamser Sinha Venue: STUDIO THEATRE at the Hackney Empire Theatre, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ. 4pm & 8pm.Info: 0208 985 2424.
Please note that this programme for International Women's Month may be subject to alteration and it is advisable to ring and check beforehand.
