MAIDEN Speeches is a new play by Hannah Davies asking what has changed for women since their enfranchisement and examines the challenges that face women in politics today.

It receives a work-in-progress reading at York Theatre Royal Studio on Tuesday, March 13at 7.30pm.

Hannah said: “I grew up in the ladette era of the 1990s and ‘Blair’s babes’, when the predominant narrative was that equality had been won and feminism was a redundant thing of the past.

“This narrative formed me as a young woman, but as I’ve grown older and wiser, it’s clear that this is not the case.

“In many ways this play is my response to this.

“Working on the research has been absolutely fascinating.

“I’ve visited Parliament several times and have interviewed MPs about their experience of working there. Spending time in the House of Commons watching the debates has been a real eye opener.”

Maiden Speeches is currently in development with support from York Theatre Royal, produced by Tara Finney Productions in association with Common Ground Theatre.

The project is supported with funding from Arts Council England.

Tickets for the work-in-progress

are free but should be booked in advance via the box office on 01904 623568 or go to yorktheatreroyal.co.uk