A fearless, funny and furious new show smashing menopause taboos
Dry Bits is a bold new one-woman show from Sheffield-based writer and performer Imogen Ashby, developed with support from Sheffield Theatres and funded by the Arts Council England.

Subtitled “Not just the change but the remix”, this riotous production takes menopause out of the shadows and throws it centre stage — with candour, chaos, and a killer 1980s soundtrack.
What to expect
For centuries, the menopause has been whispered about, joked about, or ignored entirely. Dry Bits does the opposite.

Expect:
Office meltdowns and midnight sweats
Teenage ghosts and Hulk-level fury
Unexpected dance moves
Brutal honesty mixed with big laughs
With humour, rage and heart in equal measure, Imogen becomes your fearless guide through a life being rewritten from the inside out — messy, maddening, and surprisingly liberating.
Why this show matters
More than a comedy about hot flushes, Dry Bits is:
A rallying cry
A revelation
And a brilliant night out
It invites audiences to laugh, rage, reflect — and feel seen.

Perfect for anyone who has ever Googled:
“What is happening to me?”
Audience information
Age guidance: 16+
Accessible performances available

🎟 Tickets & full details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/dry-bits

Event details

A vital new resource launch supporting writers through menopause
Writing the (R)age is a timely and thoughtful event launching a new resource designed to support writers navigating peri-menopause and menopause, addressing both personal challenges and structural barriers within the creative industries.

Curated by Rachel Barnett-Jones, the resource has been developed from a series of in-depth conversations with writers experiencing menopause. The resulting packs offer practical strategies for managing symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, and fluctuating concentration — alongside guidance for organisations on how to create inclusive, flexible, menopause-aware working environments.
What the event includes
The afternoon launch event will feature:
A keynote speech
An expert panel discussion
Small-group conversations, giving attendees the chance to share what they need during this stage of life
Confirmed contributors include representatives from the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)and theatre maker Imogen Ashby, with additional speakers to be announced.

Together, the panel will explore:
The specific challenges writers face, including isolation and high cognitive demands
How menopause intersects with freelance and portfolio careers
What meaningful industry support can — and should — look like
Why this matters
Menopause remains under-discussed in the creative sector, despite affecting a huge proportion of its workforce. Writing the (R)age puts lived experience at the centre, challenging silence and offering tangible tools for change — both for individuals and institutions.

This event is particularly relevant for:
Writers and freelancers
Producers, commissioners, and arts managers
Anyone interested in access, inclusion, and sustainable creative careers
Age guidance: 16+
Produced and supported by
The launch of Writing the (R)age is produced by Sheffield Theatres, Big Imaginations Network, and Sensible Creative, with support from British Association of Performing Arts Medicine.

🎟 Tickets & full details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/writing-the-rage

Event details