A inspirational International Women’s Day event, attended by Sheridan Smith and fellow cast and crew of Woman in Mind, has helped raise funds Wearside Women in Need.

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026, award-winning actress Sheridan, who has been impressing audiences in the lead role of dark psychological comedy, Woman In Mind, joined her colleagues for a special Q&A at Sunderland Empire.

Wearside Women In Need with the cast and crew of Woman In Mind, centre, and Theatre Director Marie Nixon, right | Sunderland Empire

placeholder image — Wearside Women In Need with the cast and crew of Woman In Mind, centre, and Theatre Director Marie Nixon, right | Sunderland Empire

The event, which raised £200 for Sunderland’s specialist domestic abuse charity, welcomed businesswomen from across Wearside who were treated to an intimate discussion which featured cast including Sheridan Smith (Susan), Safia Oakley-Green (Lucy), Katie Buchholz (Understudy) and Jade Lauren (Understudy) with Jo Hinton (Company Stage Manager), Odette Robertson (Deputy Stage Manager – Show Caller), Georgia Butler (Head of Wigs, Hair and Makeup) and Aimee Harrison (Deputy Wigs, Hair and Makeup) on the panel.

The Q&A, compèred by Theatre Director Marie Nixon, brought in depth and insightful conversations on inspiring women, identity, working in the theatre industry and the raw, real-life themes portrayed in Susan’s story in Woman in Mind.

The Alan Ayckbourn production, which played at Sunderland Empire last week as just one of two venues outside of London’s West End, explores one woman’s fractured reality with heart and humour through identity, family, and mental escape.

Funds raised from the event will go towards helping Wearside Women in Need, Sunderland’s specialist domestic abuse charity, which supports victim-survivors every single day to move beyond the harm caused by violence and abuse against women and girls in our communities.

The charity’s mission is to drive lasting change ensuring better futures for the many women and girls they support - one where they are free to be their true selves and are able to thrive and reach their full potential.

Marie Nixon, Theatre Director of Sunderland Empire, said: “It was fantastic to speak with the incredible team behind Woman in Mind. Being in a room filled with so many inspiring, driven and accomplished women from across the North East was truly motivating.

“Their passion for supporting and uplifting others is exactly what International Women’s Day is all about.”

Laura Seebohm, Chief Executive of Wearside Women In Need said: “We were absolutely delighted to be invited by the wonderful team at Sunderland Empire to be part of the Q&A with Sheridan Smith alongside the talented women in the cast and the fantastic production team.

“We are incredibly grateful to the amazing women from the local business community whose generosity helps make this work possible. Their support enables us to provide vital safety, support and hope to those who need it most. Every act of generosity truly makes a difference.

“The spirit of empowerment is exactly what International Women’s Day represents, and it was wonderful to see it brought to life at yesterday’s event.”