JOSEY
Community events across Northumberland
Josey, an Evening of Music and History
Friday 22 March at The Common Room, Newcastle
This event is now CLOSED.
Featuring music and songs written by singer-songwriter Katie Doherty.
This unique event offered an engaging exploration of Josephine Butler's remarkable life through a historical talk and live music.
Attendees were given a deeper insight into Josephine Butler's world with a talk by acclaimed writer and speaker, Jane Robinson. Robinson, author of "Josephine Butler: A Very Brief History," offers fascinating perspectives on Butler's life and legacy.
“Josephine Butler was remarkable in so many ways, as a passionate campaigner for human rights and a champion of society’s outcasts. But I admire her most for her determination to give women a voice, and the courage to use that voice to make the world a better place. Her story inspires us to use our voices too, in the cause of justice and mutual support.”
-Jane Robinson.
The musical was presented as a special ‘work-in-progress’ performance with actors Zoe Lambert and Chloe Millar, accompanied by musicians Katie Doherty, Jeremy Bradfield and Andrew Cadie.
Including BSL Interpretation.
Photography: Von Fox Promotions.
Josey, an Evening of Music, History and Activism
Saturday 4 November 2023 at Alnwick Playhouse
This event is now CLOSED.
Featuring music and songs by singer-songwriter Katie Doherty.
In a special evening at Alnwick Playhouse, we celebrate the life and legacy of Josephine Butler (1828-1906). Josephine, born in Millfield, Northumberland in 1828, became a significant Victorian social reformer and advocate for the rights of women.
Her story is at the centre of a new musical commissioned by November Club and written by singer – songwriter Katie Doherty, find out more here. Accompanied by professional musicians, Katie will perform songs from the show. The Alnwick Playhouse Community Choir will also add their voices to the experience.
The event also included a panel discussion led by Karen Langdon, Vice Principal of the Josephine Butler College, Durham University to discuss and explore today’s issues of activism and gender equality. Fellow panelists included:
Dr Catherine Donovan, Professor of Sociology and Head of Department at Durham University.
Sara Bryson, the Lead Organiser for Tyne & Wear Citizens, a broad alliance of civil society institutions who work together for social justice and the common good.
Katie Doherty, singer- songwriter, and writer and composer of Josey.
Including BSL Interpretation.
Josey, Historical Talk and Listening Party
Spittal: Saturday 18 November 2023
Great Whittington: Saturday 25 November 2023
Blyth: Saturday 2 December 2023
Longhoughton: Saturday 17 February 2024
Wooler: Saturday 24 February 2024
Felton: Saturday 2 March 2024
Our historical talk and listening party was a chance to take our audio musical on the road to audiences across Northumberland. Bryony Taylor, a researcher and arts event producer currently researching a PhD at Northumbria University, led a historical talk on the life and times of Josephine Butler.
After listening to Bryony’s talk, audiences were then able to listen to Josey, the Indignant Daughter, in a shared listening experience.
“Fascinating subject matter that’s both thought provoking & relevant. Such catchy tunes too!”
— Listener of Josey
“A fascinating subject matter, great to bring Josephine Butler to life and to share her pioneering work.”
—Audience member
This event is now closed.
