Women & Theatre’s Starting Out series features dramatic monologues about young women entering the world of work. Developed from research conversations, they reflect the language and lives of ordinary people and put women’s stories, writing and performance centre-stage.

This series examines the disturbing, funny and humane stories of 5 young women beginning their working lives. The final episode in the series features W&T’s Artistic Director, Janice Connolly, in conversation with four and young women about the issues raised in the monologues, what is relevant to their experiences now, in 2020 to see and what if anything has changed since 2016. We recommend that you listen to all 5 monologue episodes before listening to the discussion.

Whispers

Writer: Manjeet Mann // Director: Jo Gleave // Performer: Rosalyn Norford // Sound Design: Sam Frankie Fox working with Iain Armstrong // Recorded at Brum Radio.

CONTENT WARNING: This podcast contains references to self harm, mental health and suicide which may act as triggers for some listeners.

If you are affected by any of the issues raised and you are based in the UK you can find help and support from The Samaritans by calling 116 123 for free, or visiting their website at https://www.samaritans.org/

International listeners can find details of help and support available in their country from Befrienders Worldwide at https://www.befrienders.org/

Starting Out was originally produced as a live theatre show in 2016, developed in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre. It was the second show of what became our Women & Work trilogy; preceded by For the Past 30 Years in 2014, about women who had spent 3 decades working in different sectors , and followed by Prime Time in 2019, about women in retirement.

This podcast series has been funded by Arts Council England, The Space, The Sir Barry Jackson Trust, The Feeney Trust and The Cole Charitable Trust.

This is a free podcast from Women & Theatre. We are a charity so if you would like to support the work we do you can make a donation by visiting our website womenandtheatre.co.uk/support-us

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