As part of October’s WOW North East Festival at Gala Durham and across the region, WOW - Women of the World and Live Theatre, Newcastle present the world premiere reading of Astell and Woolf, a sharp new comedy by Shelagh Stephenson.

When pioneering feminist Mary Astell (born in Newcastle) meets Virginia Woolf in the afterlife, the result is a riotous, thought-provoking clash of minds. Packed with big ideas, bigger laughs, and joyful feminist fire, it’s a rare spotlight on Astell – a visionary often left out of the history books. Deep, funny, and unapologetically smart – this is feminism with flair, right back in the North East, where it all began for Astell.

Casting to be announced.

This event takes place as part of the first ever WOW North East Festival. Founded in 2010, more than 150 WOW Festivals and events have now taken place in 71 locations across the world, and 2025 marks the first ever WOW Festival in the North East! Don’t miss theWOW North East Festival Day on Saturday 18 October at Gala Durham, a day full of powerful conversations, joyful workshops and unforgettable performances.