REVIEW: Astell and Woolf at Newcastle Live Theatre

Astell and Woolf

Newcastle Live Theatre

Until Saturday 6 June 2026

Written by Shelagh Stephenson

Directed by Karen Traynor

Performed by Tessa Parr & Phillippa Wilson

Philosophy and feminism from women hundreds of years apart. When Mary Astell and Virginia Woolf are stranded in a kind of purgatory which sees Mrs Astell chained to the exit and Ms Woolf seemingly free to visit other equally eminent inmates even retrieving some sherry and glasses at one point. Why she has some freedoms when Mrs Astell does not, could be a reflection of women’s changing freedoms through the centuries.

Left to right Phillippa Wilson and Tessa Parr

Both, however spoke of seeing their male siblings nurtured through education while only fate allowed them to become writers, that and their social status. As they point out, a mineworker or a home help does not have the time, energy or opportunity to write poetry and ponder on metaphysics.

Also the ongoing bringing up girls to be polite and accepting of abuse meted out by men, in Woolf’s case, her brothers, was not shied away from. No means yes, and yes means no, the yes being just, polite, so as not to hurt the feelings of the gentleman.

This was an unusual way to look at past sins of the fathers and cast the lens over the state of women’s rights now. Virginia Woolf did seem to be able to see the state of the modern world and convey news of recent mentions of Mrs Astell in presentations. The dwindling nature of which seemed to reflect her movement towards the next place. 

Shelagh Stephenson has written a witty, yet sometimes tense two-hander, with eerie soundscapes hinting at the female-centric great-beyond. With Phillipa Wilson as Astell and Tessa Parr as Woolf carrying the narrative, both putting on a splendid performance. Parr’s Wolf was delightfully irreverent and Wilson played a Mrs Astell who had had much time to think, and evolve her philosophy and approach to the idea of a god. Lighting design gave the impression of something just beyond reach in a dreamlike situation.

The almost full Live Theatre had a very appreciative audience who gave a sound round of applause with a large section of the crowd on their feet. These two women did Astell, and Woolf, proud. 

Review: Joanne Oliver

Tickets: https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/astell-woolf