Theatre tackles feminist comedy for its next production

THE next performance from the town’s amateur dramatics group will be a hilarious satire of feminism.

Macclesfield Amateur Dramatics Society is staging ‘Female of the Species’ by Joanna Murray-Smith, a satire about celebrity feminists.

It tells the story of feminist Margot Mason, who is held hostage by one of her students.

Francesca Dykes who plays Margot, said: “The Female of the Species poses questions about the changing nature of feminism, and the modern cult of personality. It’s a play which deals with absurd, sometimes extreme and occasionally farcical situations and characters.”

It is being directed by Richard Shute, with Elizabeth Bloor as Molly.

Suzanne Copeland, from the company, said: “It was Rudyard Kipling in 1911 who wrote ‘the female of the species is more deadly than the male.’

“This is the premise of the play, a satire about celebrity feminists, with a plot loosely inspired by a real-life incident in 2000, when author Germaine Greer was held at gunpoint in her own home by a disturbed student.

“Thirty years ago Margot Mason, pioneer of the 1970’s Women’s Liberation movement and fearless academic, wrote her groundbreaking work.

“Numerous best-sellers and international adulation followed, but now she has writer’s block.

“As she sits in her country house struggling with a deadline, in walks Molly Rivers – student, idealist and daughter of one of Margot’s most dedicated followers. Initially flattered, Margot is less pleased when Molly handcuffs her to the desk and pulls a gun.”

The play runs from Monday, March 9 until Saturday, March 14, at the Little Theatre on Lord Street, Macclesfield.

Tickets cost £7 and £9 and are now on sale for season ticket holders. General booking opens on Monday, February 16.

Tickets are available at tickets@madstheatre. org or on 01625 611974.