Synonymous with female empowerment, warrior queen Arawelo (pronounced Caraweelo) is an ancient Somalian queen said to have ruled approximately in 15AD. Renowned for championing a matriarchal society, Arawelo, prior to assuming the role of queen would take on patriarchal roles such as gathering sustenance for her community. Laying the foundations for dismantling issues we still find ourselves talking about today, it’s a case of questioning the pace in which societies have moved forward. In a time where we are still discussing gender pay gaps and other inequalities, Arawelo’s defiant tenacity knows no end. Theatre Company Queen of Sheba International have taken on the powerful queen’s story in their eponymous production. Producer Shukri Ibrahim discusses the show’s development and timely issues.

The hints of a troubled city create a current under-running Rona Munro’s 1991 play Bold Girls, not so much dominating the action rather than leaking through.

“But what can I do?”

Those who watch Still No Idea at the Royal Court this winter are likely to be left asking the same question as this “white, middle-class and not disabled” audience member no matter who they are whose question concludes this thought provoking two-person piece.

Courtesy of Camilla Greenwell.

Established in 2001 and with over 100 venues across the UK, Bill’s Restaurant has gained a reputation for its wholesome food, whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, Bill’s has the eclectic menu for you.

Renowned for using the best of British produce, Honest Burgers create their very own beef patties in their Butchery. With restaurants in London, Reading, Bristol and Cambridge, Honest Burgers have grown in popularity, their rosemary chips, as well as their support with local brewerys unique selling points.

Phoenix Dance sores into action with a new high flying repertoire, combining classic contemporary dance with styles such as hip hop and jazz, to create something truly original and intriguing.

Burying the dead is a much easier task than burying repressed feelings in Iman Quereshi’s four hander that bites at the complications of religion, culture and sexuality. Winner of the 2018 Papatango New Writing Prize, The Funeral Director is an imagining of how a young couple’s relationship and moral values are tested by the confines of their religion.

Courtesy of The Other Richard.

Project Manager Alex Turner has overseen the preparations for this year’s TheatreCraft. An event aimed at those aged 16 to 30 looking to learn more about theatre disciplines off stage, the initiative will see industry professionals give talks and workshops, as well as a careers fair at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel offering attendees the chance to meet some of the UK’s leading theatres, companies and education providers. Read on to find out more about this year’s event.

Having trained on the BA (Hons) Design for Stage course at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Khadija Raza’s star has risen within the industry, having gone on to work on set and design projects from the Arcola to the Bush Theatre. Her work has seen her win the prestigious Linbury Prize for stage design as well as a Stage Debut Award for her costume design work featured in the Bush Theatre production of Hijabi Monologues. Khadija will lead a workshop at this year’s TheatreCraft on Set and Costume Design for the Stage. TheatreCraft, aimed at theatre enthusiasts aged between 16 to 30 looks to encourage those looking to pursue a career behind the scenes. Read on to find out more about Khadija’s workshop!

On Rememberance Sunday, various events and services will take place to commemorate the lives lost in both WWI and WWII. The day is crucial in taking a step back, and taking in the gravitas of those who have sacrificed their lives for the rights of future generations. We’re taught about key events that led up to both conflicts and we also hear of the victorious. What we often don’t hear about are the various soldiers and labour workers who aided in the conflict from a multitude of backgrounds. Daniel York’s Forgotten tackles this, a narrative solely focussed on the 140,000 Chinese Labour Corp who contributed in Great Britain and the Allies’ victory a century ago.