Clemence Dane (aka Winifred Ashton) is the ‘invisible woman’ of British 20th century culture.
She was a prolific, popular writer and artist, described by her great friend Noel Coward as “a wonderful unique mixture of artist, writer, games mistress, poet and egomaniac.”
For many years, she lived in two decorated caravans in a field near the Midhurst sandpits, West Sussex, and was a regular visitor to Brighton.
Yet her name and achievements are almost forgotten today: she was the first British woman screenwriter ever to win an Oscar, the inspiration for eccentric medium Madame Arcati in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit and a highly-regarded scriptwriter in Hollywood and Britain.
Writer and performer Rose Collis talks about the life and work of this extraordinary woman who will be the subject of her new Arts Council-funded one-woman play; Wanting the Moon, will have three preview performances, at the Marlborough Theatre, Brighton, on January 8 and 9, and Arundel Jailhouse, January 12.
Rose, a writer, alternative historian and performer, has lived and worked in Sussex since 1997. Her books include Death and the City (Hanover Press 2013), The New Encyclopaedia of Brighton (2010), ‘This Effing Lady’: Coral Browne (Oberon Books 2007), Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment: A Tale of Female Husbandry (Virago 2000 & 2001); and A Trouser-Wearing Character: The Life and Times of Nancy Spain (Cassell 1997 & 1999).
In 2012, she created the critically-acclaimed Trouser-Wearing Characters, the first one-woman musical cabaret show written and performed by a female author, which continues to tour.
In November 2014, she received funding from the Arts Council England in November 2014 for the successful research and development of Not Wanted on Voyage, a new play about Nancy Spain and Gilbert Harding.
In August 2015, Rose was appointed by the National Trust and Literature Works to be the first Writer-in-Resident at Coleridge Cottage, as part of the Writing Places programme.
Event: Wanting the Moon: Clemence Dane by Rose Collis
Where: Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton
When: Tuesday, November 24
Time: Doors open 5.30pm for 5.45pm prompt start.
Tickets: £3
To book online click here:
For more information about Rose Collis, click here:
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