As the world celebrates International Women's Day, the local theatre and arts scene in Cheltenham is celebrating women's creativity and talent.

The Laurence Olivier award-winning comedy Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), has arrived on the main stage at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham.

Pittville Pump Room provided the perfect regency backdrop, mirroring that of the original Pride and Prejudice tale, for Cheltenham's period celebration of International Women's Day.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a witty and irreverent retelling of Jane Austen's most iconic love story, written by the Evening Standard's 2022 Emerging Talent award winner, Isobel McArthur.

The show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You're So Vain. It's the 1800s. It's party time. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin.

The play is performed by a five-strong all-female cast, who even dare to take on the dashing roles of Mr Darcy, Mr Bennet and George Wickham alongside the leading female roles. The play has thus far earned rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

To mark this key date in the international events diary, The Everyman and The Cheltenham Trust joined forces as two of the leading champions of arts, heritage and culture in the town.

The cast marched to the Grade 1 listed architectural gem in Pittville Park in full costume to take in the regency sights, before heading off to star in the unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen's most beloved novel.

International Women's Day grew out of the labour movement to become an annual event recognised by the United Nations. The event aims to encourage everyone to challenge gender bias and inequality, celebrate women's achievements, and support their advancement in all fields, including the arts. The performance of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a perfect example of how women can challenge traditional roles and expectations in theatre and beyond.

The seeds for International Women's Day were planted in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. 

A year later, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman's Day and it has become a date to celebrate how far women have come in society, politics and economics, while the political roots of the day mean strikes and protests are organised to raise awareness of continued inequality.

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) runs from until March 11 at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, with tickets available from https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/pride-and-prejudice-sort-of/