An Audience with Virginia Woolf: Writing One’s Mind
Wilton’s Music Hall 14 November 2.30 & 7pm Graces Alley, London E1 8JB TICKETS
Past Performances 2026
An Audience with Virginia Woolf: Writing One’s Mind
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 6 – 30 Aug The Drawing Room at Assembly Rooms. ‘A charismatic Lucy Stevens delivers … a cleverly and carefully constructed piece … it places her sharpness and linguistic rigour at the centre of her story … And that’s more than acceptable: it’s perfect.’ Broadway Baby ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Stevens portrays Woolf as a stoic, sunny and engaging presence, not defined by her mental health … but her words … the wit and wisdom of Woolf’s words, seamlessly built upon and resolutely delivered.’ The Scotsman ⭐⭐⭐⭐
LONDON PREVIEWS 27 & 28 July Theatre At The Tabard 2 Bath Road, London. “An insightful and powerful play so well written, acted, sung and delivered.” Peter Hamburger
Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife!
Beaminster Festival Dorset 2 July St Mary’s Church, Beaminster. “Amazing performance … It was both funny, sad, with the most gorgeous singing – Whattavoice!” Lois Pearson, Director Beaminster Festival.
2025
Ethel Smyth: Grasp the Nettle
Three Choirs Festival Hereford 26 July Green Dragon Hotel Broad St, Hereford.
Gertrude Lawrence: A lovely way to spend an evening
SOLD OUT RUN Brits Off Broadway Festival 59E59 Theatres New York USA 13 May – 25 May 59 East 59th Street NEW YORK, NY 10022 “The incandescent Lucy Stevens, author and star, gives us a sense of what Lawrence’s star quality was all about … some smashing songs delivered by a singer of skill and intelligence, this is the ticket. This is one title with which one can thoroughly agree.” Lighting & Sound America
Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife!
Wilton’s Music Hall 1 May Graces Alley, London E1 “Lucy Stevens is the exemplar of storytelling and chanteur extraordinaire. She pulls you into the portraits she paints with knowing smiles and conspiratorial delivery, decorated with songs … KF Whattalife! is delightful and the standing ovation inevitable.” Josi Phene
Gertrude Lawrence: A lovely way to spend an evening
The Bread & Roses Theatre Clapham London Sun 20 April & Mon 21 April“What an amazing show- I felt transported back to the 1930’s and pulled into the life of Gertrude Lawrence- Incredible acting and boy what a voice.” Martin
Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife!
Chipping Norton 23 March St Kenelms Church Enstone “Beautiful, entertaining, evocative, wonderfully accomplished and moving … It was unlike anything I’d ever seen before and shone a much-needed spotlight on one of the great female singers of the 20th century.” Philippa Ibbotson
Gloucestershire Air in G 22 March Church of St Peter & St Paul, Northleach
New Forest Rural Touring 16 March St Marks Hall, The Square, Pennington, Lymington.
Dorset Arts Reach 13 March Marnhull Village Hall, Sturminster Newton. 14 March Hinton Martell Village Hall, Wimborne. 15 March Yetminster Jubilee Hall, Sherborne. “Like stepping back in time and meeting Kathleen Ferrier in a hotel foyer for a down to earth chat. Lucy’s performance was outstanding.” Arts Reach
2024
Ledbury 23 Nov Ledbury Market Theatre. “Lucy Stevens was a wonderful performance – I think the ending is just right. And bravo to the pianist for the Brahms!” Martin Bussey
Shropshire Arts Alive 22 Nov Cawley Hall, Luston, Leominster.
Dorchester Arts 17 Nov Dorchester Corn Exchange, High Street, Dorset.
Salisbury 16 Nov Salisbury Arts Centre.
Lancashire Spot On 8 Nov The Rainhall Centre, Barnoldswick. 9 Nov Bolton-Le-Sands Library, Carnforth. 10 Nov Mellor Brook Community Centre, Blackburn.
Barton upon Humber 7 Nov Ropery Hall, The Ropewalk, Maltkiln Road. “Very impressive and moving…especially Blow the Wind Southerly. SO glad you included that song.” Sue Hardysfield
Aberdeen 25 Oct Newton Dee Camphill Community.
Cheshire Rural Touring Arts 11 Oct Macclesfield Library 12 Oct Goosfest Arts & Music Festival, Village Hall 13 Oct Neston Town Hall ‘Lucy magnificently portrays Kathleen’s lovely personality, great sense of humour & love of rude rhymes. Her rise to fame with all its ups and downs and the tragic all too soon end. Very poignant you will laugh a lot but also shed a tear.’ Kath Hopcroft, Kathleen Ferrier’s god-daughter
Leighton Buzzard 19 Oct Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre.
Louth 4 Oct Riverside Theatre, Louth.
Stamford 3 Oct Stamford Arts Centre, Stamford. ‘A magical and genuinely moving evening… completely captured the likeness, character and most amazing of all, the voice of this iconic artist.’ Robert Kenchington
Gertrude Lawrence: A lovely way to spend an evening
Cumbria Arts Out West 25 Sept Santon Bridge Village Hall, Holmrook. 26 Sept Loweswater Village Hall, Cockermouth. 27 Sept Million The Hill Village Hall. 25 Sept Bassenthwaite School Rd.
Rottingdean 15 Sept Rottingdean Arts Festival, The Barn, Rottingdean, Brighton
Deal 1 June The Astor, Deal, Kent “Standing ovation for this tour de force by Lucy Stevens as Gertie Lawrence at The Astor Theatre. Just such fun! …revelations about the indefatigable Gertie and her lust for life.” Amanda Holloway
Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zédel 16 & 19 May London W1 “Lucy Stevens and Liz Marcus gave us a beautiful performance and were rewarded with a standing ovation… Most definitely A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening” Sarah-Louise Young
Wales Millennium Centre 27 April Cabaret Cardiff Bay “What a talented, charismatic and intelligent performer Lucy Stevens is. I hugely enjoyed her portrayal of Gertrude Lawrence.” Tim Riley
Highlights North Rural Touring Cumbria & Northumberland 10 – 16 April Casterton Village Hall, Lazonby Village Hall, Shilbottle Community Hall Alnwick, St Cuthbert’s Church Norham. “Absolutely incredible show!! Lucy is pure magic.” Jane Robinson
The Stables Milton Keynes 10 Mar “A fabulous show!” Mark Atterbury
Wilton’s Music Hall 8 – 10 Feb Graces Alley, London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely STUNNING performance. A must-see!” Christine Prowse
2023
Herefordshire Arts Alive Touring 16 -18 Nov Cawley Hall, Eye. The market Theatre Ledbury. Linton Village Hall “A truly wonderful evening of entertainment… the whole audience totally mesmerised by Gertie’s amazing story… fantastic singing and Liz’s playing – a truly memorable night!” Clair Hodgson
10 Nov Aberdeen Newton Dee, North East Arts Touring “Charming, evocative and full of detail” Jane Williams
28 & 29 Oct Cornwall Sterts Theatre & Acorn Penzance. “A delightful and outstanding performance – truly captivating.” George Chippendale
26 Oct Stroud Arts Festival Subscription Rooms, Stroud “The combination of songs and storytelling, the costume, the use of the stole, everything. It was moving and inspiring. A triumph.” Hannah O’Kelly
19 & 20 Oct ArtsReach Dorset Langton Matravers & Nether Compton. “An incredible show… held us spellbound. Such a wonderful performance, beautiful music, we laughed and cried… So much drama and contrast. Genius.” Arabella Heaton
Oct 5 Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London. “The best evening’s entertainment I have had for a very long time … by turns funny and poignant. An amazing performance.” Annie Devoy
1 Oct OSO Arts Centre Barnes“Wonderful performance at Barnes. What a delight!” Brian Lynch
22 – 24 Sept West Yorkshire Touring Ropery Hall, Helmsley Art Centre & Otley Courthouse. “Fabulous show” Liz Bennet CEO The Ropewalk
Nominated for an OffFest Award
3–27 AugustEdinburgh Festival Fringe The Drawing Room at The Assembly Rooms
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
“Lucy Stevens gives a tremendous performance as the grande dame, socking out a fantastic selection of songs … Beautifully structured and charmingly portrayed. The audience loved it – Top class entertainment!” therealchrisparkle
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“This is a quality show… a truly fascinating and colourful life story, told with passion, humour and not a little drama. I loved it!” UK Theatre Network
HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDSHOW “Portrayed with much heart by the talented actress and singer Lucy Stevens… The audience was enthralled from the first moment and laughed and cried.” Fringe Review
13 July Hitchin Festival “A FANTASTIC way to spend an evening – singing, acting, comedy. It’s all there in a hugely entertaining show where Lucy really brings Gertie to life.” Patricia Clegg
10 July LondonPhoenix Arts Club WC2 “I didn’t know what to expect, but I am completely blown away with what I have experienced.” Hubert Dempsey
29 June Lichfield The Hub at St Mary’s “Gertie was quite a lady and Lucy portrayed her brilliantly bringing her story to life through her own words and songs- loved it!” Kath Hopcroft
19 June London Phoenix Arts Club WC2 “Unfair distribution of talent – Lucy Stevens singer, actor, writer, comedian – she’s all these things in equal measure!” Kitty Saunders
8 June Devizes Art Festival Devizes Town Hall, Assembly Room, Wiltshire. “The performance fizzed along with real energy. It was by turns funny and surprising … a spell-binding and consummate performance by Lucy Stevens, as accurately billed, ‘A lovely way to spend an evening’!” Andy Fawthrop Devizine.com
Cheshire Rural Touring 2 June Neston Town Hall “A TRIUMPH… don’t miss this utterly brilliant show!” Cheshire Rural Touring 3 June Goostrey Village Hall.
22 May Haslemere Festival ‘An evening to remember… the acting, singing and music were just superb and Lucy’s portrayal of Gertrude Lawrence was outstanding.’ Tessa Trollope
3 May Winchester Theatre Royal “An absolute delight. We were mesmerised with a superb and outstanding performance, her poise, grace and hand nuances were exceptional. We applaud and thank you.” Frank and Margaret Jennings
21 April Stamford Arts Theatre “Such a ‘lovely way to spend an evening’ … music styles ranging from music hall to sophisticated cabaret and show songs … a stunning voice … achingly beautiful ballads sung in a sumptuous rich contralto, had the audience spellbound.” Martin Fellows
3 April Phoenix Arts Club London “A wonderful show – utterly brilliant … Fabulous singing, not to mention some of my favourite songs – ‘lovely’ is actually a massive understatement.” Nigel Foster, Director London Song Festival
2022
Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel
17 Nov – Stanhope St Thomas Church Hall, Stanhope, Weardale. “Very classy! Beautifully staged and Lucy and Liz are incredible musicians” Sarah Haynes RT Promoter.
18 Nov – Barningham Village Hall, Richmond, County Durham.
19 Nov – Lazonby Village Hall, Penrith, Cumbria. “A truly wonderful and emotive evening – a privilege to have an act of such calibre in our village hall!!!” Jill Eastham RT Promoter
11 Nov – London School of Economics, Shaw Library, Old Building, Holborn, London. “The wonderful Lucy Stevens and Elizabeth Marcus in the brilliant and moving Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel…fits the LSE Shaw Library perfectly” Maria Bell Learning and Engagement Manager, LSE
6 Nov – Acorn Penzance, Penzance Cornwall. “Amazing show! Very talented performers and brilliantly put together. Brava!” Alice Dennis BEM
4 Nov – Into Bodmin The Old Library, Bodmin, Cornwall. “A seamless, powerful, intelligent performance that is an education.” @Literallyvital1
14 Oct – North East Arts Touring Phoenix Arts Centre, Newton Dee Village, Aberdeen. “Totally mesmerising, couldn’t take my eyes off Virginia!” Terhi Geider
25 Sept –Rottingdean Arts Festival 3pm Rottingdean, Brighton. “A profound and captivating play … every word is Woolf, but Lucy has crafted her fiction and diaries into a moving piece which explores her creativity, wit, feminism, family, mental health and the beauty of her writing. Accompanied expertly on the piano by Liz Marcus.” Sarah-Louise Young
23 July – Church Stretton Arts Festival Silvester Horne Institute, Shropshire. “Fabulous evening at Church Stretton Arts Festival, with the magnificently talented duo Lucy Stevens and Liz Marcus. Absolutely loved it.” Kath Hopcroft
15 July – The Exchange Twickenham London Road. “Astonishing performance by Lucy Stevens … a standing ovation in the Exchange. Deeply moving and utterly wonderful.” Paul Browne
Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife!
3 June – Aldeburgh Fringe Festival The Pumphouse, Aldeburgh. “Funny, absorbing and ultimately tragic: Lucy Stevens captured all of the hearts at The Pumphouse tonight with Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife!” Britten Pears Arts
Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel
4 May – The Forum Tunbridge Wells, The Common, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. “A great show – I went home thinking about women’s role in literature and war.” Carolyn Gray
23 April – Black Country Touring Blackheath Library, Blackheath, Birmingham
Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife!
21 March – Theatre Royal Norwich Norfolk Federation of Women’s Institute “I was so busy applauding at the end of Lucy’s magnificent performance” “entertainment was amazing!”
Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel
30 Jan – Dorchester Corn Exchange Dorset. “A stunning portrayal by Lucy Stevens of Virginia Woolf and the accompanying music … A truly wonderful evening.”
2021
25 Nov – Louth Riverhead Theatre, Victoria Road, Louth.
24 Nov – The Guildhall Arts Center, Grantham. “Absolutely brilliant”
Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife!
15 Nov – Wimbledon International Music Festival St John’s Church, Wimbledon. “‘Whattashow!’ I loved it. Lucy Stevens presented a pitch-perfect portrayal of Kathleen Ferrier – but when she started singing I was stunned – Her rich, fruity, contralto voice was spine-tingling! I see that Ms Stevens has had both acting and singing training – and it showed. But all the training in the world can not create such a naturally gifted and talented performer like this … A genuine treat.”
Nonsense Songs from Alice in Wonderland by Liza Lehmann
6 Nov – V&A Museum Recital Room & Cafe, event in Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser Exhibition.
Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel
30 Oct – Lighthouse Theatre Poole, Dorset. “An outstanding performance … one of the best things we have ever seen in the theatre.” Lewis Bell
24 Oct – Blackheath Halls London. “Superb production … from conception to enactment, and represents the best of live theatre! What a joy!” Hilary De Santos
14 Oct – Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry Street, Winchester. “a most extraordinary evening … challenging, enlightening, entertaining, chilling, informative, alluring, beautiful, funny and deeply inspiring … like floating on top of a wave – joyous one moment and dashed onto the pebbles the next. We felt drawn into [Virginia Woolf’s] stream of consciousness – sometimes playful, sometimes heart-rending.” Helen Williams
Ethel Smyth: Grasp the Nettle / Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel
July 12 – 15 Deal Music Arts Festival 2021 “Each festival we have a few things that stand out this year, without doubt, [Ethel Smyth: Grasp the Nettle & Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel] have made a profound impression. It is as if we were in the presence of these great ladies. Elizabeth sensitive accompanying was utterly brilliant, thus heightening the dramatic impact hugely. An experience that will stay with us for a long time to come.” Paul Max Edlin Artistic Director Deal Music & Arts
Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel
July 3 – London Song Festival Hinde Street, London. “Utterly absorbing and brilliantly done!” Anthony Ingle Utterly brilliant performance – the whole audience was spellbound throughout. So wonderful to hear all those rarely heard song gems by women composers too.” Nigel Foster LSF Director
2020
Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel
October 24 & 25 – Bloomsbury Festival – Holy Cross Church, London WC1 “I’m buzzing after seeing Lucy Stevens new play #KillingtheAngel. The script is entirely extracted from Virginia Woolf’s novels, essays & life writing, with insight into Woolf’s groundbreaking feminist work in the context of her patriarchal upbringing. Don’t miss this!!!” Lana Bode
March 15 – North London Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, London “This was such a great show Lucy Stevens amazing performance as Virginia Woolf and well deserved standing ovation at Lauderdale House” Mrs Shaw Herself
March – Stamford Arts Centre St Mary’s Street, Stamford, Lincs. “Dramatic and informative telling of this compelling story. The music included a wide variety of songs, Lucy with a warm, rich contralto voice and even an extract from Beethoven’s opus 111 piano sonata, beautifully played by Liz Marcus. I came away with new insights into the complex character of one of our literary greats and enthused to read and learn more”. Martin Fellows
March – Redbridge Drama Centre, East London “A stunning piece of research, writing, acting singing and production – and unearthing some little known aspects of VW’s life. A valuable contribution. Brava” Janet Gibson, Convenor of the Opera All Party Parliamentary Group
Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife!
Jan 24 – N. Buckinghamshire Women’s Institute, Newton Longueville, Bucks. “What a voice and what a presentation. Funny at times, touching at other times, a fascinating glimpse into the life of this wonderful singer. A fantastic afternoon’s entertainment” Jenny Street, Trustee & Chairman Bucks Federation of Women’s Institutes
2019
3 Nov – Blackheath Halls, Blackheath, London. “It’s so rare to see a show that is both theatrically incredible and academically rigorous, and I’m really excited now to see your Woolf show!” Lana Bode
Ethel Smyth: Grasp the Nettle
North East Arts Touring, Aberdeen. 27 Sept – The Phoenix Centre, Newton Dee. 28 Sept – Hay Memorial Hall, Cornhill. “A jewel of an event – wouldn’t have missed it for the world – what a voice, what a performance.” “Quite simply astonishing!”
Cambridge 19 Sept – Stapleford Granary“Enjoyed it tremendously. Astounded by your vocal range and by your memory! So informative too.” Sarah Maxwell @drsarahmaxwell
Florence, Italy. 26 May – The Loggia, San Francesco di Paola, Florence. “Fantastic performance by Lucy and Liz in Grasp the Nettle. 4 curtain calls and a standing ovation. Bravissime.” Janet Gibson Convenor of the Opera all Party Parliamentary Group
London 23 March – Blackheath Halls, Blackheath London. “A spectacular performance. A brilliant conception magnificently presented – fascinating, funny, deeply moving. and full of beautiful music to treasure.” Sarah Walker, mezzo-soprano.
The Songs of Ethel Smyth London School of Economics, Shaw Library, Holborn. 12 March – A Recital of Ethel Smyth Songs, Elizabeth Marcus (piano) “A wonderful performance of Ethel Smyth’s astonishingly complex and subtle songs ~ a privilege to have had a preview of the CD.” Farquhar McKay Director, The Opera Cabaret Company
Dorset 15 February – Dorchester Arts Corn Exchange. “Still thinking about – and humming from Lucy Stevens’ brilliant ‘Grasp the Nettle’. It was moving and funny and so well performed.” Mary Lester
Isle of Wight 16 February – Quay Arts, Newport Harbour. “A magnificent performance. Your singing and acting, together with your fine accompanist, made for a most illuminating and revealing evening.” Richard Benger
2018
House of Commons, London 30 October Speaker’s House. For The Opera all Party Parliamentary Group “I found it not only riveting but also very moving. You expressed so eloquently Dame Ethel’s love of life, passion for music and her active role in women’s suffrage…your attention to the text both as an actor and a singer were pitched to perfection.” Siva Oke Managing Director SOMM Recordings
Milton Court Concert Hall 3 October Silk Street, London “What a stupendous evening! Just genius writing, brilliant and refreshing, this vivid portrait of someone so unburdened by the conventions of her time…your voice is a powerful and beautiful instrument brilliantly played! We want to see it all over again!” Ruth Crow
The St Marylebone Festival 26 July St Marylebone Church, London “Reading about Ethel Smyth recently and seeing the amazing performance of Lucy Stevens at Marylebone Festival (in Grasp the Nettle) I am left with the distinct impression that I was in the presence of Smyth herself. Brava.” Janet Gibson Convenor of the Opera all Party Parliamentary Group
Cambridge 16 July Cambridge Federation of Women’s Institutes
Hitchin Festival 7 July Woodside Hall, Hitchin “Fabulous evening. Very entertaining & informative. So nice to hear contralto singing.” Patricia clegg
London School of Economics 4 July LSE Shaw Library, Old Building, Holborn “Absolutely superb performance by Lucy Stevens of Ethel Smyth’s life & work for LSE Library.” Dr Debbie Challis
English Music Festival 28 May Silk Hall, Radley College, Oxfordshire. “Can’t recommend Lucy Stevens play with music about Ethel Smyth highly enough. Superb acting and vocal performances and some exceptional navigation of fiendish piano reductions by Elisabeth Marcus. Funny, touching and uplifting – A must see!” Light Music Society
Sandstone Ridge Festival 20 May Tattenhall, Chester. “Thoroughly recommend this entertaining moving and compelling show. Told in the composer’s words and brilliantly constructed and performed.” Martin Bussey Conductor/Composer
Northumberland – Highlights Tour 26 April St Thomas Church Hall, Stanhope 28 April The Cheviot Centre, Wooler 29 April Lesbury Village Hall “absolutely amazing, so inspirational- thank you so much …so lucky to be able to experience exceptional shows in a friendly, intimate atmosphere in such beautiful locations. A truly magical theatre experience.” Audience member
Cumbria – Arts Out West Tour 20 April Ireby 21 April Gosforth 27 April Wreay Village Hall “…inspired performance, captures Ethel with such a compelling mix of humour, strident determination – and integrity, intensity, vision – of a soul shot through with subtle affection. It made for a brilliantly varied evening and we loved it. The music was a revelation, large enough for a vast space and then suddenly intimate, and unexpectedly lyrical, rendered so beautifully.” Rosemary Pavey
Tunbridge Wells 18 April The Forum. “Fantastic evening, wonderful musical range and riveting account of Ethel Smyth’s life as well as her contribution to the women’s suffrage campaigns…unforgettable.” Mary Carol Wilson
Woking 11 March Rhoda McGaw Theatre “Grasp the Nettle was truly wonderful, dramatic, skillful, accomplished and overall simply rather brilliant. Thank you for opening my eyes to the talent and life of Ethel Smyth… an incredibly virtuosic, dynamic and engaging performance.” Dr. Amy Bebbington
Hemel Hempstead 3 March The Old Town Hall. “A tremendously thought provoking and moving show. Lucy’s performance; such brilliant acting and her beautiful voice!” Audience member.
Cambridge 15 February Rayner Centre “Another absolute triumph! Your combined musical skills are tremendous. Last night you gave us an extraordinary insight into the life and music of a truly remarkable woman. It was magical, moving and totally engrossing.” Nick Barnes Chairman & Programme Secretary, The Arts Society, South Cambs
Cornwall 8 February Sterts Studio, Liskeard. 9 February The Acorn, Penzance. 10 February The Poly, Falmouth “…a very powerful performance, fascinating character portrayed, and also the sensitive and skilled piano accompaniment.” Acorn Theatre Trustee
London 1 February Redbridge Drama Centre, “We were enraptured by the show. What a brilliant new play. What an outstanding actress! I felt like I had met Ethel. I would love to see it all again.”
Kathleen Ferrier Whattalife! 2017
Church Stretton Arts Festival 1 August Church Stretton Arts Festival, Shropshire. “Just riveting – the time flew by. We have seen many high calibre performances at the festival over the years, and you and your wonderful pianist are right up there.” Steve Baker
The St Marylebone Festival 25 July St Marylebone Parish Church, London. “Lucy Stevens as Kathleen Ferrier in Whattalife! Talented actress, writer and whattavoice! with brilliant Elizabeth Marcus at piano. Whattanevening! See them whenever you can. Unmissable.” Janet Gibson Convenor of the Opera all Party Parliamentary Group
