Today marks the start of the International Women's Day celebrations across our arts centres, as we kickstart our KeyChange pledge to achieve 50% representation of women and gender minorities in our programme by International Women’s Day 2023.
Here at Hampshire Cultural Trust we're proud to embrace an all-female programming department - with comedy, music, theatre and participation, we celebrate our team this week, as well as the performers and tutors we welcome to our venues.
Therefore, we thought it might be nice to get an insight into what our live events programmers are most looking forward to this season; with a Top Pick, Hidden Gem and Wild Card selection, we're kickstarting the fun with our Comedy Programmer, Kate!
Top Pick
Catherine Bohart: This Isn't For You
West End Centre, Aldershot
Friday 25 March, 8pm
"This is Catherine's third show and if her trajectory is anything to go by, this show is going to be excellent. You may know Irish-born Catherine from The Mash Report or Mock the Week, but the Catholic deacon's daughter is at her best live. This Isn't For You promises "horrendous life advice, cheery nihilism and reluctant self-discovery", how can you say no?"
Tickets £13.50. Book now
Hidden Gem
Funny Women: International Women's Day Special
Forest Arts Centre, New Milton
Wednesday 9 March, 7.30pm
"Funny Women has curated a lineup of rising stars to celebrate International Women's Day with some of the best talent from their prestigious annual Funny Women Awards. With 20 years (and counting) in the comedy business, Funny Women has provided a platform for talent such as Sara Pascoe, Katherine Ryan and Jayde Adams. The evening's host Louise Leigh is joined by Jessie Nixon, Amy Mason, Hettie Austin, Pravanya Pillay and Funny Women Awards winner Suzy Bennett.
I'm sneaking an extra show in here, because Funny Women is also coming to Ashcroft Arts Centre in Fareham on Thursday 10 March, hosted by Live at the Apollo's Esther Manito, who is joined by Ola Labib, Julia Stenton, Jade Gebbie, Katherine Kenway and headliner Suzy Bennett. Frankly, neither show is to be missed!"
Tickets £12. Book now
Wild Card
South Coast Comedian Competition
Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham
Thursday 17 March, 7.30pm
"This is a rare opportunity, not only to see potentially great comedians right at the start of their career, but to help support them with your vote. Join Hampshire comedian James Alderson as he searches for the best new comedians on the South Coast in a show where you never know what you're going to get!"
Tickets £10. Book now
If you can't make it in March, South Coast Comedian Competition returns each month until December!
We've also got lots going on across our arts centres 5 - 12 March tying specifically into our International Women's Day celebrations, so be sure to take a look at the full programme.
