The Vagina Monologues: Act 3 Theatre Company to perform Eve Ensler’s iconic play at South Mill Arts in May
The iconic play The Vagina Monologues is coming to Bishop’s Stortford’s South Mill Arts in May.
Described as a “bold and unflinching celebration of womanhood”, it is being performed by a cast of three women who will be familiar to audiences from productions by Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company (BSMTC) and Water Lane Theatre Company.
The Act 3 Theatre Company trio of Charlotte Pritchard, Becky Faulkner and Cat Quigley will bring the strictly-for-over-18s production to the stage for two nights on Friday May 2 and Saturday May 3.
The play, written by Eve Ensler and first performed in 1996, has achieved critical acclaim around the world for its empowering celebration of the vagina by tackling serious issues of sexual abuse and violence towards women.
Through a series of compelling and often humorous monologues, the play addresses topics such as self-discovery, body image, sexual violence and societal taboos.
With raw emotion and powerful storytelling, the production explores crucial issues, including menstruation, body image, genital mutilation, prostitution and consent, offering diverse perspectives from women of various backgrounds.
Director Cat said: “The Vagina Monologues is a ground-breaking work that continues to resonate deeply with audiences. We are honoured to present a production that not only entertains, but also challenges perceptions and encourages important conversations.”
The show also features singer Gemma Kalmakrian, who will perform a selection of female-inspired songs at the interval.
Charlotte previously worked for six years as South Mill Arts’ marketing manager. She is chair of BSMTC, has written and directed three shows and performed in the group’s productions of Oklahoma! and Made In Dagenham among others.
Becky, who works as a secondary school head’s PA, grew up in a musical family and discovered a passion for drama and singing while at school.
She has taken on numerous prominent roles for BSMTC, including Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Rita in Made in Dagenham and Helen in Kipps – The New Half a Sixpence Musical.
She is also the vocal half of folk and country duo Cider At Yours with musician and fellow Water Lane Theatre Company member Richard Pink.
Cat has been involved with drama groups from a young age, with her passion for performance extending into dance. She is also a musician, having played the double bass in orchestras and going on to learn piano and bass guitar.
She has worked in both the drama and marketing side of the business and is a long-standing member of BSMTC and Water Lane Theatre Company, having written, directed and performed in numerous productions.
Tickets for the two 7.30pm performances of The Vagina Monologues are £18 (concessions £16) and are available from southmillarts.co.uk.
A collection will be made at both performances for Red Kite, the Bishop’s Stortford-based charity that supports survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
