Category Archives: Women

‘My Love…’ book launch 5/6/26

Aberration, Books, Events, History, LGBT, Women, , , ,

My Love All Love Excels: The Remarkable Life of Katherine Philips

The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth: Friday 5th June 2026 5pm

{Cymraeg >>}

Join Norena Shopland and Aberration, in association with Parthian Books, as they launch Norena’s new biography on the Anglo-Welsh poet Katherine Philips.

Katherine has many accolades – the first woman to have a play commercially produced; a seventeenth-century Civil War poet of distinction; someone who broke the rules of poetry; one of the first notable female poets in the world; one of the first to write of same-sex attraction, the list goes on.

Katherine’s extraordinary story will be brought to life with poetry readings, songs and talks that will amuse and amaze, and will show why Katherine Philips must be regarded as one of Wales’ best poets.

An English language event. FREE!

TICKETS >>

Zine-making workshops: Ladies of Llangollen

Aberration, Archive, History, LGBT, Women, , , ,

The Ladies of Llangollen Appreciation Society

Get creative in this fun workshop where we’ll make a ‘zine’ (little magazine) inspired by admirers of the Ladies of Llangollen!

TWO DATES:

Sat 14 June 12 noon to 2pm, Machspace, Machynlleth – find venue here >>
Queer Tales from Wales run our new zine-making workshop for the first time ever on the theme of ‘The Ladies of Llangollen Appreciation Society’. Part of the Open Day at Machspace (community crafting and makers’ space). Places are limited to 10. Just turn up. https://machspace.org/open-day-zine-making/

And the following weekend, a similar session in Llangollen…

{Sun 22 June 11am to 1pm, Plas Newydd, Llangollen – cancelled by venue}

Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler ran away from Ireland in the 1780s and made their home together at Plas Newydd in Llangollen. They lived together until the end of their lives, becoming known as the Ladies of Llangollen, and had many admirers through the ages.

Never heard of them? Don’t worry, all will become clear in the workshop!

We’ll use words, photos, illustrations and collage to explore some of the themes in the Ladies’ life such as gardening, stitching, love and friendship.

No special skills or experience are needed and all materials are provided.

Run by two friendly workshop leaders, Jane Hoy and Helen ‘Aitch’ Sandler of Queer Tales from Wales, with (in Machynlleth) Ruth Gordon of Machspace.

Queer Tales performed their show about the Ladies for Machynlleth Pride last year. Their next performance is at Plas Newydd, Llangollen, on 21 June.

All welcome, adults and young people 14+

Queer Tales from Wales: https://www.aberration.org.uk/queer-tales-from-wales/

Ladies of Llangollen show 21/06/25

Aberration, Archive, LGBT, Women, ,

Queer Tales from Wales present

An Extraordinary Female Affection: The Life and Love of the Ladies of Llangollen

*CANCELLED BY VENUE*

Our most thrilling show is our promenade performance as the Ladies of Llangollen in the grounds of Plas Newydd, where the ladies lived 200 years ago! We performed this show in 2024 to a very appreciative audience and now we’re delighted to be back again on 21 June 2025.

3.30pm tea followed by 4 to 5pm (approx) live show.

NOTE: Wear stout shoes and bring a brolly just in case. This event is outside and contains uneven ground and steep sections.

Tickets include afternoon tea. A fabulous day out. Devised and presented by Queer Tales from Wales – Jane Hoy and Helen Sandler. And next day Jane and Helen will run a creative zine-making workshop about the Ladies!

This is part of a week of celebrations of the legacy of the Ladies of Llangollen which also includes a talk by Norena Shopland on 18 June about her unique collection of memorabilia and antiques.

See links to all Plas Newydd events here >>

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Queer Tales at Mach Pride

Aberration, Archive, History, LGBT, Women, , , , , ,

— PAST EVENT —

Queer Tales from Wales present

A LIFE OF SURPRISES

The True Story of a Remarkable Victorian Sapphic Couple

PART OF BALCHDER MACH PRIDE WEEKEND!

Friday 16 May 7pm, Old Pizzeria, Wynnstay Hotel, Machynlleth, Powys

TICKETS >>

What happens when a stroppy Irish feminist writer falls for a quiet Welsh woman sculptor in Bella Roma?

Find out in this delightful show about Frances Power Cobbe and her ‘wifie’ Mary Charlotte Lloyd of Llanelltyd – and their amazing friends; Ours is the old, old story of every uprising race or class or order.

The work of elevation must be wrought by ourselves or not at all.’ Frances Power Cobbe, The Duties of Women (1882). From the duo who brought you the Ladies of Llangollen: Jane Hoy and Helen Sandler of Queer Tales From Wales

What the audience said about previous shows:

‘Such a treat! Such a polished performance and wonderful script… I feel enriched by having had the opportunity to watch this.’
‘A deeply moving and funny animation of these inspiring women’s stories. Hope many others have the chance to see/ hear this.’
‘Forgotten women resurrected – wonderful.’

Tickets £8 plus booking fee, or pay what you can: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/…/queer-tales…/e-ajzmax 

A warm welcome for all! Croeso cynnes i bawb!

Written, researched and performed by Jane Hoy with Helen Sandler and friends

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WOW Film Festival: All Shall Be Well

Aberration, Archive, Film, LGBT, Women, , , , , ,

Special showing of ‘All Shall Be Well’ (12A) at WOW film festival 2025 in association with Aberration

Aberystwyth Arts Centre Cinema, Saturday 29 March 2025 at 5pm prompt (Doors open 4.45pm).

Tickets £7 / £6 from venue:

https://aberystwythartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173659071

Director: Ray Yeung Hong Kong (S.A.R of China), 2024, 93′ minutes, Cantonese with English subtitles

Angie and Pat are two women who have shared a life of love and resilience in Hong Kong for over four decades. When Pat suddenly passes away, Angie’s world is upended. Faced with mounting pressure from an unsympathetic extended family, she must navigate her grief and fight to hold on to the home that holds their cherished memories.

With poignant performances by Patra Au Ga Man, Maggie Li Lin Lin, and Tai Bo, ‘All Shall Be Well’ is a tender, heart-wrenching exploration of love, loss, and the quiet strength required to claim one’s place in the world.

This screening is co-hosted by Aberration (LGBTQ+ arts and community events in Aberystwyth). After the film there will be a short panel discussion chaired by Helen Sandler with Fran Jackson and Steph Jones and Q&A – a chance to reflect on the movie and its themes.

All welcome. Croeso i bawb. Part of WOW – Wales One World Film Festival: https://aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/wow-wales-one-world-film-festival/

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Gweithdy Geiriau Heddwch 27/7/24

Aberration, Cymraeg, Women,
English >>
Gweithdy Ysgrifennu Creadigol 27/7/24 Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru, Aberystwyth
Am fwy o wybodaeth ac i archebu lle a wnewch chi e-bostio os gwelwch yn dda post@academiheddwch.cymru

100 mlynedd yn ôl, llofnododd 390,296 o ferched Cymru ddeiseb heddwch. Pwy oedd y merched yma? Sut fywydau oedd ganddynt? Pa straeon sy’n cuddio tu ol i’r llofnodion? Hoffech chi ysgrifennu darn wedi ei ysbrydoli gan y merched?

Manylion

Apêl Menywod Cymru dros Heddwch 1923/24
Gweithdy Ysgrifennu Creadigol Geiriau Heddwch – am ddim!

Stafell Addysg, Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru, Aberystwyth
Dydd Sadwrn Gorffennaf 27, 11 yb  – 3 yp

Darperir te a choffi a bydd Pendinas ar agor am luniaeth ysgafn.

Gyda Norena Shopland (Hanesydd Merched ac LGBTQ+) a Jane Hoy (Queer Tales from Wales ac Aberration). Fe’ch hwylusir i ysgrifennu darnau creadigol byr – cerddi, straeon neu fel arall -wedi eu hysbrydoli gan hanesion cudd y merched llofnododd Deiseb Heddwch Menywod Cymru 1923/24.

Four women with petition
M.G. (Gladys) Thomas; Mary Elizabeth Ellis; Annie Jane Hughes-Griffiths; Elined Prys
(Gwefan Llyfrgell Genedlaethol / National Library of Wales website)

Gallwch gyflwyno yn Gymraeg neu yn Saesneg. Gyda eich caniatâd, hoffai prosiect Hawlio Heddwch ystyried cynnwys unrhyw ddarnau terfynol yng nghasgliad gwaith creadigol prosiect y Ddeiseb. 

Am fwy o wybodaeth ac i archebu lle a wnewch chi e-bostio os gwelwch yn dda post@academiheddwch.cymru

Peace of Writing workshop 27/7/24

Aberration, Archive, Women, Workshops, , ,
Cymraeg >>

[PAST EVENT] Saturday 27 July 11am to 3pm Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth: Creative writing workshop hosted by Sian Howys of Academi Heddwch Cymru, with historian Norena Shopland and Aberration’s own Jane Hoy, inspired by the Welsh Women’s Peace Petition of 1923-24. Scroll down for details and booking link.

You may have heard of the Welsh Women’s Peace Petition, which was signed by nearly 400,000 women from across the country, sent in a huge chest to the USA a century ago; and has recently returned to Cymru. But who were the women who signed this petition? We will hear the stories behind some of these women, and have the opportunity to write our own stories, poems or other writing in response to their lives.

Images of some of the women who signed, provided by their relatives

Details

Welsh Women’s Peace Appeal 1923/24
Peace of Writing Creative Workshop – free of charge!

Education Room, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
Saturday July 27 11 am – 3 pm

Refreshments: Tea and coffee will be provided and Pendinas cafe will be open for light refreshments.

With Norena Shopland (Women and LGBTQ+ Historian) and Jane Hoy (Queer Tales from Wales and Aberration). You will be guided to produce short pieces of creative writing – poems, stories or other –  inspired by the hidden histories of the women who signed the Welsh Women’s Peace Petition 1923/24.

Four women with petition
M.G. (Gladys) Thomas; Mary Elizabeth Ellis; Annie Jane Hughes-Griffiths; Elined Prys
(Gwefan Llyfrgell Genedlaethol / National Library of Wales website)

You can present your work in Welsh or English. With your permission, the Petitioning Peace project would like to consider including any finalised pieces within the project’s collection of creative work.  

To receive further information about the workshop and to book your free place please email: post@academiheddwch.cymru

Ladies of Llangollen play at Plas Newydd

Aberration, Archive, History, LGBT, Women, ,

Saturday 3 August 3.30pm Plas Newydd, Llangollen: Queer Tales from Wales present ‘An Extraordinary Female Affection: The life and love of the Ladies of Llangollen’. An entertaining promenade performance in the grounds of the very house where the ladies lived two hundred years ago. Performed in English.

Tickets are £22.50 (plus booking fee), to include tea and cake with the Ladies and entry to the House during the day.

Book your tickets on Eventbrite >>

Poster text:

[CYMRAEG] Dydd Sadwrn 3ydd Awst, 3:30 PM

Perfformiad chwareus lle mae Sarah Ponsonby ac Eleanor Butler yn mynd â chi ar daith o
diroedd eu cartref, Plas Newydd. Atgynhyrchiad bywiog o’u 50 mlynedd gyda’i gilydd, gyda help y gynulleidfa, gwartheg anwes, hel straeon enllibus ac ymweliadau gan ferched sy’n eu hedmygu, gan gynnwys Anne Lister. Wedi’i gyflwyno gan Jane Hoy a Helen Sandler mewn hetiau befar.

Pris tocynnau yw £22.50, gan gynnwys te a chacen gyda’r Merched a mynediad i’r Tŷ yn ystod y dydd.

Tocynnau >>

[ENGLISH] Saturday 3rd August, 3:30 PM

A playful promenade performance in which Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler take you on a tour of the grounds of their home Plas Newydd. A lively re-imagining of their 50 years together helped along by the audience, pet cows, scurrilous gossip and visits from their women admirers including Anne Lister. Presented by Jane Hoy and Helen Sandler in beaver hats.

Tickets are £22.50, to include tea and cake with the Ladies and entry to the House during the day.

Book your tickets on Eventbrite >>

Ladies of Llangollen Tour

Archive, LGBT, Women

Queer Tales from Wales are back on the road in the sunshine this summer (2023) with our most popular show, ‘An Extraordinary Female Affection: The Life and Love of the Ladies of Llangollen’.

This is a playful performance (in English) that brings these intriguing women and their household and friends back to life. Described by audiences as ‘superb’, ‘sensational’ and ‘fabulous’! You can catch the show at these venues:

Sunday 11 June 5pm Out & Wild festival – thanks to those who came along and threw flowers!

Sat 24 June 3pm Storiel Bangor
Tickets include tea and cake. This will be our first-ever performance at Storiel. Edrych ymlaen! Details and booking line here >>

Sun 2 July 3.30pm Plas Newydd, Llangollen – home of the Ladies!
Tickets are £22.50 (plus booking fee), to include tea and cake with the Ladies, our promenade performance, and entry to the House so you can look round during the day and see the Gentleman Jack Costume Exhibition too.
Book via Eventbrite >

The Ladies will look forward to reading your letters of introduction and meeting you and your cows. Croeso cynnes i bawb!

More about the show and the Ladies: https://www.aberration.org.uk/queer-tales-from-wales/

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Aberration Goes to Town with VG Lee

Aberration, Archive, LGBT, Women, , , ,

16/5/23 Bank Vault, Aberystwyth

Cyffrous! Aberration yn y Dre efo VG Lee!

<THIS EVENT IS IN THE PAST>

The author and comedian VG Lee is coming to town for Aberration on 16 May at the Bank Vault bar!

The brilliant novelist and short story writer VG Lee is coming all the way from Hastings to entertain us. Venue: Bank Vault bar, 1 New Street, Aberystwyth.

This event is FREE. No booking. Arrive from 6pm when the Bank Vault bar opens for a great range of craft beers, wine, spirits and superior soft drinks!

Please support this lovely venue by buying drinks ???????????????? And please bring cash too, to buy signed books from our special guest. She will be onstage around 7pm.

—–

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST: VG LEE

VG Lee (aka Val) is an author and comedian. She’s written five novels and two collections of short stories, the latest being Oh You Pretty Thing (Tollington, 2019).

Past books are: The Comedienne, The Woman in Beige, Diary of a Provincial Lesbian, As You Step Outside, Always You Edina, and Mr Oliver’s Object of Desire – runner up for the YLVA Publishing Literary Prize for Fiction 2017. Val was long-listed for the BBC National Short Story Award 2022. She is a judge for both the Polari Book Prize and The Hastings Book Festival Short Story Prize.

VG Lee also writes for newspapers and magazines including The Guardian, Diva and The Lady. She embarked on a stand-up comedy career just when other people might be planning their retirement – and made it to the finals of Hackney Empire’s New Act of the Year.

VG Lee is an old friend of the Aberration organisers and we are absolutely delighted she is coming to Aberystwyth especially for our fabulous audience. Be there! Edrych ymlaen!

Website: https://www.vg-lee.com/

Next events

Also in our Aberration Goes to Town series: 29 June Mike Parker, 13 July Queer Diary.

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