First Slice - Theatre Deli Scratch Nights - FEMFEST

Get a sneak peek at the next hottest theatre, dance and circus shows, before they hit the Fringe, Off-West-End and Festival circuits.

So what exactly is a 'Scratch Night'?

A Scratch Night is an exciting chance to see snippits of brand new work, ranging from immersive theatre to circus acts and site-specific dance, before they become full length shows.

Scratch Nights rely on two way communication with the audience, and you'll have the unique opportunity to offer your thoughts and feedback at the end of the evening, either in writing or by having an informal chat with the artists at the bar!

This Scratch Night is a special FEMFEST Edition, celebrating female artists and the International Women's Day.

Age Guidance - 16+

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FEATURED WORKS & ARTISTS INCLUDE:

Butterface by Vendetta Vain (Vee Smith): Butterface (noun derogatory; An attractive woman with an undesirable face; ‘She’s a Butterface. She is hot, But. Her. Face’)- a work in progress concept that uses circus and physical theatre to look at how women’s bodies are seen, how aerial arts positions the practitioner to be 'on display’ and if the audience feel more or less entitled to look if they feel their gaze cannot be challenged by the artist looking back.

Ad Libido by Fran Bushe: Fran wants to want sex. But no matter how many wonder cures she tries, she doesn’t feel like her fire’s been lit. Sometimes it hurts. Join Fran on a “Laugh-out-loud” quest (with songs) as she pursues a ‘normal’ sex life. Expect toe tapping tunes, a magic penis and a visit to Sex Camp.

Presence by Kirsty Blewett, in collaboration with Christine Mears: Presence questions how much you need to change to succeed. Through the ambition of a screenwriter to share the true story of pilot Amy Johnson, Mulvey’s male gaze comes to life.By exploring the male gaze as an antagonist; can we unpick the daily prejudices which we normalise?

They Speak by Mira Yonder: They Speak started as a solo performance inspired by Mira's experience as an immigrant facing a language barrier, misunderstanding and learning new languages. During the scratch, Mira will be focusing on making the show participatory, so the audience will take an active part in the making of this new language, through different games and instructions.

WULF by Maisie Newman (Fen): WULF is a dark feminist adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon poem ‘Wulf and Eadwacer’, a compelling display of visceral female strength and myth-making. The residency will be used to develop an immersive environmental version of the performance, exploring deep listening and impulse choreography and extending our audience’s sensory interaction with audiovisual elements.

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After the performances, join us at the Old Library Bar and carry on the conversation with the artists, in a friendly space for creative minds to meet.