Controversial play to be staged in Sunderland

Cast of The Vagina Monologues at the Royalty Theatre, Sunderland, l-r Amy Herdman, Julie Chisholm, Beth McAneny, Jude Nelson and Emma McLeary

Final rehearsals are in full swing for The Vagina Monologues, which will be performed at The Royalty Theatre from Wednesday until Saturday.

Eve Ensler’s ground-breaking show is based on conversations with women on themes of love, sex and violence against women.

Cast of The Vagina Monologues at the Royalty Theatre, Sunderland, l-r are Julie Chisholm, Amy Herdman, Beth McAneny, Jude Nelson and Emma McLeary

The often controversial play, starring Amy Herdman-Burns, Emma McLeary, Beth McAneny, Jude Nelson and Julie Chisholm, focuses on numerous aspects of femininity, ranging from the comedic to the tragic.

Director Nikki Briggs said: “I am extremely happy to have been given the opportunity to direct this show. The monologues are based on real women’s experiences and the themes are still a taboo subject even by today’s standards.

“So to be able to tell these women’s stories is empowering not only for all involved in the production, but hopefully for the audience too.”

The play will be staged each evening at 7.30pm in the venue’s Studio Theatre.

Plays remaining this season at the community theatre are Steel Magnolias (May 16-21) and The Pitmen Painters (June 20-25).

Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/royaltytheatre or on 0333 666 3366.