Books / book launch
What the Frock comedy night to follow feminist book launch in week of International Women’s Day
Author, speaker and journalist Jane Duffus has announced a special event to celebrate the launch of her latest book, The Women Who Built Bristol: Volume Three.
Taking place at Cooper’s Hall, Bristol Old Vic on March 3 – the week of International Women’s Day – the evening will commence with Duffus in conversation with Laura Rawlings, from BBC Bristol.
Introducing the audience to some of the stories that feature in the book, Duffus will be explaining why she decided to champion these women, and reflecting on the myriad ways in which they inspire her.
Jane Duffus at a book event – photo: courtesy of the author
Each of the books to date have featured 250 ordinary, and yet extraordinary, women who have featured in Bristol’s history.
Volume Three will mirror that same structure, with the profiles to include “two girls thrown over the Clifton Suspension Bridge by their desperate father (spoiler alert: they survived); the prominent portrait photographer with strong suffrage ideals; the women who lived in a cemetery for more than 100 years, and the greengrocer who sold the very first bananas in Bristol”.
The Women Who Built Bristol Volume Three – photo: Jane Duffus
Following the discussion, the award-winning comedy night founded by Duffus in 2012 will be taking over the hall, compered by comic, cabaret performer and magician Ada Campe, and featuring Bristol’s own Dani Johns.
Still running today, the all-female night was first created in response “to challenge an industry that knowingly overlooks the talent and presence of women”.
Duffus will be on hand to sell, and sign, books on the night.
Cabaret performer, magician and comedian Ada Campe – photo: Alexix Dubus
The Women Who Built Bristol: Volume Three by Jane Duffus is out on March 3, and available to preorder now.
To coincide with the release, a special book launch and What The Frock comedy night will be held at Cooper’s Hall, Bristol Old Vic at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at www.headfirstbristol.co.uk.
Main photo: Dani Johns
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