EdFringe Talk: Wherefore Art Thou, Woman-Hater?

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I came away from Fringe 2024 with a big list of things I’d do differently…”

WHO: Nuala Sankey

WHAT: “Written anonymously and first staged in the Renaissance, Swetnam The Woman-Hater, is where the word misogyny comes from. Star-crossed lovers, swordfights and sexism in the 16th century – it has it all. But how could that possibly be relevant today? Come and judge for yourself… The second show brought to you by Cumbrian production company Acting Speaks Louder, creators of Disco, Baby? ‘Outstanding’ (FringeReview.co.uk). Created and produced by three up-and-coming artists working across music and theatre. If they don’t take the Fringe by storm, at least there’ll be plenty of rain when they get home!”

WHERE: Stephenson Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (Venue 53) 

WHEN: Varies (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 3rd time at Edfringe! I first came with a production of Oliver Jr. in 2022 with Footsteps to Theatre and completely fell in love with being part of the festival. I decided I wanted to bring my own show, so I started Cumbrian production company Acting Speaks Louder to being new work by young people who might not otherwise feel the festival is accessible to them. Acting Speaks Louder’s debut production was Disco, Baby? which was a crazy experience writing, producing and performing at 17! I think I felt such a strong need to be at the Fringe because there is so much possibility and that’s just so exciting to be around and part of.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I came away from Fringe 2024 with a big list of things I’d do differently, but the biggest thing I learnt from the first time round is the importance of having a marker of success that is (somewhat) within your control. That keeps you sane and in possession of a semblance of perspective in what can be a mental month. I think this is a lesson that you periodically come back to when your in the depth of a fringe spiral.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a modern language adaptation of a play from the 1600s called “Swetnam the woman-hater” which is thought to be where the word misogyny comes from. I wrote the adaptation and its a sad irony that not too much had to be changed as so much of it still rang true, even over 400 years after it was written. The show premiered at a local Cumbrian venue, the Staveley Roundhouse, and after Edinburgh we will be breaking new ground at the Camden Fringe!

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Definitely “Reaching the C” – which is my mum’s show about her life as a professional bassoonist and how music has threaded its way through her life using a bassoon, a loop pedal and personal experience. But daughter duty done, I would also thoroughly recommend Briony Martha’s solo show “Parasocial Activity” about one woman’s parasocial relationship with James McAvoy! Phenomenally written and acted, both funny and moving; a tutor of mine once said I reminded him of Briony, and the more I speak to her and see her work, the more it becomes a massive compliment!

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!