Preview: Astell & Woolf at Newcastle Live Theatre

Astell & Woolf 

Newcastle Live Theatre 

Thursday 14 May to Saturday 6 June 2026

Live Theatre launches its Radical North East season with Shelagh Stephenson's surreal new comedy bringing Newcastle's forgotten feminist pioneer Mary Astell into sharp focus. This fast-paced two-hander imagines an electrifying encounter between Astell—largely considered one of the English-speaking world's first published feminists—and Virginia Woolf in an afterlife waiting room.

Written by the prolific Shelagh Stephenson, acclaimed playwright behind The Memory of Water and Harriet Martineau Dreams of Dancing, the play offers an unexpected look at feminism's origins and enduring relevance. Directed by Scottish-born, North East-based director Karen Traynor, who received critical acclaim for her production of Tiny Fragments of Light at Alphabetti, the production promises dark comedy, provocative dialogue, and whip-smart entertainment as it delves into major feminist issues through the wit and intelligence of these two remarkable women.

Writer: Shelagh Stephenson

Traynor reflects on the timeliness of the piece: "Feminism can feel like a challenging word these days. So perhaps this is the perfect moment to examine the idea of it, what it means to us and where it began. Mary Astell is our very own North East pioneer, and like many other great women from history is relegated to its furthest ranks." The play finally allows audiences to imagine Astell's wit and intelligence, bringing her out from history's shadows to claim her rightful place.

 Director Karen Traynor

Stephenson describes her work with characteristic wit as covering "art, God, the patriarchy, two bottles of sherry and wave particle duality. Something for everyone. Plus jokes!" Meanwhile, Artistic Director Jack McNamara calls it "a kind of Endgame with feminists"—hilarious, truly original, and unashamedly packed with ideas that go headlong into the darkness of its subject matter.

The production marks Live Theatre's first exploration of the North East's hidden radical roots, shedding light on the region's pioneering women and their relevance to contemporary debates.

Tickets: £11 to £36. Book at www.live.org.uk