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It is 1896 and Girton College, Cambridge, home to the first female university students, has just opened its doors. Its principal, Mrs Welsh, vows to steer the students through their education, while passionately petitioning for their right to graduate like their male contemporaries.
The group of new female students all come from varying backgrounds but they are bound by their belief that a woman is not solely limited to the home. Facing entrenched chauvinism from the establishment, academic rejection and violent misogynistic riots, the women continue to push for Cambridge University to treat them as equals.
Through their education in, and outside, the classroom, the women strive to prove that they are the equal to their male contemporaries. While following social rules and etiquette, they pull away from Victorian notions of the ‘natural woman’ and passionately pursue their academic ambitions.
Jessica Swale also wrote “Nell Gwyn”, which I directed for Wakefield Country Players 7 years ago. Swale has a reputation for writing stories about strong, inspiring women. This is partly what draws me to theatre, scripts that draw on history and at the same time have something to say about society. Hugh Neill (Director)
It takes a strong team to stage community theatre. Could you be more involved? Have a look at the ‘job descriptions’ page; this could be just the thing you are looking for.
It doesn’t need to be a committee position, you can volunteer for any aspect. Marketing skills are always really welcome, along with Tech skills.
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20th-22nd NOVEMBER 2026 – PANTO TIME
We can’t bee-lieve it… Buzzz the Pantomime is celebrating its 10th anniversary!
Spring has arrived, but something is badly wrong in the hive. The Queen Bee has vanished, and rumours are swirling faster than a wasp at a picnic. Could the wicked Bizzy Lizzy, Queen of the Wasps, be behind it all?
Packed with laughter, music, mayhem, and plenty of audience participation, this locally written family pantomime is the perfect treat for ages 3 to 103. Whether you’re planning a festive family outing or a buzzing Christmas party night with workmates, Buzzz is the feel-good event everyone will be talking about.
Cheer for the goodies, boo the baddies, dodge the slapstick chaos, and sing along at the top of your lungs, because in pantomime, the audience is part of the show. Yes, that means YOU!
This specially updated anniversary production brings back favourite jokes, all the puns, and introduces some brand-new characters.
At the heart of the fun is a message that matters: bee-lieve in yourself, because even the smallest bee can make a big difference.
Nelson Repertory Theatre 