Certain Curtain Theatre presents
‘Woman On Fire’
WOMAN ON FIRE is an original play that will take you into the fiery heart of one of the most dangerous women, in history. Ruthless terrorist or impassioned freedom fighter? This original, dynamic solo-performance lets you decide.
Next year the UK will celebrate the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which gave SOME women the vote for the first time – women over the age of 30 who met a property qualification to vote. Women had to wait until 1928 to achieve the same voting rights as men. This year Woman On Fire will take you back in time to experience one suffragette’s fiery journey fighting for women’s right to vote.
Presented by award-winning company Certain Curtain Theatre, ‘WOMAN ON FIRE’ recounts the turbulent life and times of Mrs Edith Rigby – mild-mannered doctor’s wife, with a secret identity – that of arsonist, bomber and jujitsu-trained militant suffragette. Jailed six times she went on hunger strike to the point of starvation. Released, she went toe-to-toe in ferocious pitched battles with the police. Written and directed by John Woudberg and performed by Claire Moore (Lady In Red) the play presents both sides of this eccentric woman.
“The story of Edith Rigby remains largely unsung,” Says Claire, “She is best known for burning down Lord Leverhulme’s house in Rivington – But she was a woman of ‘firsts.’ She was the first woman, in Preston, to ride a bicycle – in bloomers! She founded Preston’s first branch of ‘The Women’s Social and Political Union’ and devoted her life to improving the lives of girls and women locally and nationally. She was shunned by neighbours but her fiery spirit was not easily dampened. Her story and the wider suffragette struggle is one worth sharing and I hope audiences agree.”
Venue: theSpace on North Bridge (Venue 36) Tickets: Mon-Wed £8 (£6), Fri-Sun £9 (£7)
Previews: 4-6 Aug 2017 £6 Dates: 7-26 Aug 2015 (not 13)
Time: 12:55 (50mins)
For further information, images, or to request a media ticket please contact Claire Moore on
cctheatre@yahoo.com or 07753487984