Play full of humour and tough realism

The festival runs from September 14 to 28.

The play, written in 1973, is a historic story about a time when women were mere chattels, taught to suspect each other and compete for approval in a society dominated by men.

At times it is tough and realistic, as it depicts the hardships endured by six women being transported to penal servitude in the new colonies in Australia.

The navy vessels they were transported in were badly overcrowded as most of the fleet was occupied in the war with the American colonies.

Although the play’s content has many dire situations, there is still a great deal of earthy humour from the prisoners, as they do all they can to make life bearable below decks.

Their consciousness raising is powerfully and sympathetically portrayed and at the end of their journey they have grown into a unified bunch of hardened fighters.

At its first performance the play was described as “compelling” by the Financial Times and “a funny play, carried by racy vigour” by the Evening Standard.

Seats can be booked on line at www.hurstfestival.org where a full festival programme can also be seen.

Tickets are also available from the Festival Box Office at the Players Theatre in the High Street, which will be open until September 13, Thursdays and Fridays (11am to 3pm) and Saturdays (9.30am to 2pm) and during the festival, Tuesday to Fridays (11am to 2pm) and on Saturdays (9.30am to 2pm).