The Female of the Species - Vaudeville Theatre

SYNOPSIS

Female of the Species

The Vaudeville Theatre in London's West End is home to Joanna Murray-Smith's witty farce - Female of the Species - this summer and autumn 2008. A comical piece of theatre guaranteed to delight and entertain, the show draws parallels with the life and works of well-known feminist, Germaine Greer - and a particular episode in her life when she was held hostage by a former student in her home during April 2000. With Female of the Species Joanna Murray-Smith explores modern-day attitudes towards feminism through female and male eyes, the central character in the storyline - one fiercely feminist literary giant, Margo Mason, who is held captive in her study - being the object of comedy.

Female of the Species runs at the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End from 16 July 2008. Bookings for the show run through to 4 October 2008.

One Captive - Five Visitors

Female of the Species starts out by introducing the audience to Margo Mason. An accomplished writer 'celebrated' for her forthright feminist views, we find Margo with a severe case of writer's block. Deadlines come and go on her latest book as she searches for inspiration. Cue the first - and most deadly - of Mason's five visitations!

Molly, a former student, arrives with the pretence of praising Margo's work. Her true intention is swiftly exposed when she handcuffs the writer and holds her captive in order to berate her and to set down her views about her work. Margo's daughter is next to arrive. But instead of rescuing her mother she is compelled to listen to Molly's ideas, and her derisory critiquing of Margo's work.

But what would feminism be without the male point of view!? Enter, in succession, three male characters with very different views of the female world - all intent on having their say in the feminism 'debate'. If Margo was short of inspiration at the start of the play, she sure has plenty of material to work with for her book by its conclusion!
 
Female of the Species at the Vaudeville Theatre

Eileen Atkins takes on the role of Margo Mason in Female of the Species at the Vaudeville Theatre in London. Recently seen by TV audiences in BBC's Cranford with Dame Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins comes to the role on the back of an illustrious stage and screen career that has spanned five decades. Starring alongside her at the Vaudeville Theatre production is Anna Maxwell Martin, who plays the ex-student turned captor, and Sophie Thompson, who plays Margo Mason's daughter, Tess. Paul Chahidi, Sam Kelly and Con O'Neill make up the male casting.

Female of the Species is directed by Roger Michell. Michell is a respected British theatre, TV and film director. He directed the 1999 romantic comedy film, Notting Hill, and has also the box office smash, Changing Lanes. He has directed numerous productions in the West End and has also worked on Broadway.