She Fest – Female Festival Celebrates Local Artists

She Productions will take over East Riding Theatre for 2 weeks (9- 20 July) with She Fest 2019.

Working alongside East Riding Theatre’s recently awarded Artist in Residence, Emma Garness, the theatre will be ‘hostess’ to workshops, art exhibitions, cabaret and comedy.

All of which will be led by local female-identifying artists and business owners.

She Productions’ Director Annie Kirkman said;

“The theatre industry is bursting with talented female artists. Yet still, there are not enough roles, spaces or opportunities to allow these professionals to celebrate their work.”

“We set up She Productions in order to write more stories driven by the female (Northern) voice. Over 4 years we’ve learnt just how freeing and creative it can be to support other women. This festival is hopefully the first of many where we can elevate as many other women as possible.”

Daytime events include Wild Thing Yoga with Katie Huntsman; Sip & Sing Workshops; French Conversation Classes; Graffiti and Macramé workshops both led by Emma Garness.

She Fest A Celebration Of Local Female Artists

In the evenings the company are thrilled to present Beverley Comedian, Lois Mills’ one-woman sketch show Weirdo. Also appearing will be Performance Historian Hollyzone History’s informal theatrical lecture, Fearsome Fabulous Female Pirates.

Lois Mills, actress and stand-up comedian said;

“Us lasses need to support one another so this festival and this company are a breath of fresh air. In a male-dominated industry, I am proud to be representing the ladies of comedy. I am also beyond excited to perform at ERT and in my home town.”

The festival will close with 4 eclectic cabaret Shevenings (17-20 July) hosted by She Productions’ Annie Kirkman, Jessica Duffield and Alice Rose Palmer.

There will also be guest performances including  Zoe the clown, singer-songwriter Grace Christiansen, local comedian Kellii! Taylor and Pole Dancer India Alton.

To add to the excitement there will be a mini market in the bar before, during and after each Shevening.

Post-show discussions will close each show, with themes including ‘Women & Art’ and ‘Women & Writing’.

There will be a drop-off available at the festival for sanitary products and women’s clothing. This will then be distributed to various local Women’s Services.

She Fest 2019 runs from 9th-20th July at East Riding Theatre. Booking for all events can be found at www.eastridingtheatre.co.uk or www.sheproductions.co.uk