Actors including Tamsin Greig and Peter Wight will headline a one-night staging of Shakespeare’s Women later this month in support of a leading domestic abuse charity.
The performance will take place at The Exchange Twickenham on 20 March, with proceeds supporting Refuge.
Written by Lorien Haynes and directed by Jude Kelly, the play reimagines eight female characters from the works of William Shakespeare in a modern-day domestic abuse support group.
The production previously premiered in two sold-out readings at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2024.
The dark comedy transports Shakespeare’s women from the 16th century to the present day, placing them together in a group session where they meet, share stories and gradually reveal their experiences.
Organisers say the play explores what might happen if Shakespeare’s female characters survived their original narratives and confronted the realities of modern life.
Greig will be joined in the cast by Wight, Nia Towle, Daisy Bevan and Hudson Harden Scheel, a recent graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Further casting announcements are expected.
Becky Shaw, programme and partnerships manager at The Exchange, said the production aims to highlight the impact of domestic abuse while supporting Refuge’s work.
“Lorien’s play is a response to the devastation of those suffering from the impact of domestic abuse, and we’re thrilled to be hosting Shakespeare’s Women at The Exchange to support the work of Refuge,” she said.
“The stellar cast line-up of highly acclaimed actors teamed with up-coming stars of tomorrow promises a compelling performance from this powerhouse company.”
The performance forms part of The Exchange’s programme around International Women’s Day and will be followed by a discussion featuring Kelly, Haynes, members of the cast and a representative from Refuge.
Refuge supports thousands of women and children across the UK, providing specialist services to help survivors escape abuse and rebuild their lives.
