From sassy menopausal ladies to life as a young Punjabi female in the 1970s, The Grand has a fabulous choice of upcoming shows celebrating the lives of strong female characters. #InternationalWomensDay calls upon organisations and individuals to help forge a better world #BeBoldForChange – a more gender inclusive world. The Grand pledges to inspire change and commit to help women achieve their ambitions and challenge unconscious bias through Theatre performance.

Thursday see’s the opening of smash hit Anita and Me (9-11 March). This poignant coming-of-age tale follows Meena, a young girl growing up in the only Punjabi family in a 1970s Black Country mining village. One day the impossibly cool Anita enters her life… Meena’s world is turned upside down as she is caught between two very different cultures. A talented cast of funny ladies lead, including Shobna Gulati from Coronation Street and regular panelist on Loose Women.

“Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about knowing and accepting who you are.” Ellen DeGeneres

This hysterical show Menopause The Musical (24 March) is so popular we had to put on another show! Starring favourites Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Ruth Berkeley (Penny Dreadful), Menopause the Musical is selling out FAST!

Packed full of one-liners about night sweats, hot flushes and memory loss is backed by an instantly recognisable soundtrack of innuendo-laden versions of 60s, 70s and 80s pop classics.

An all-singing, all-dancing comedy set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common, meet by chance and make fun of their woeful lives experiencing “The Change”. They soon bond as they realise that the menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage”, but an unavoidable stage in every woman’s life.

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Michelle Obama

Whether you’re aged 8 or 88, prepare to be inspired by the mighty Lilly starring in the family epic Running Wild (4-8 April).

Going to Indonesia isn’t just another holiday with mum it’s a new start, and the chance to ride an elephant called Oona.But then the tsunami hit.

Charging deep into the jungle, Oona escapes the danger of the beach with her young rider desperately clinging on. Miles from civilisation, at first there’s wonder, discovery and tree-top adventures amongst the orang-utans. But, as thoughts turn to mum left behind on the beach, wild tigers prowl, hunger hits, and Lilly must now learn to survive the rainforest. Then come the hunters.

Michael Morpurgo’s novel, based on a true story, is brought to lush life with extraordinary heart, vibrant colour and exceptional creativity, wowing audiences and inspiring audiences of all ages.

“Girls should never be afraid to be smart.” Emma Watson

The biggest female character in The Grand’s 2017 season has to be the iconic, Nell Gwynn (11-15 April). Meet one of the first actresses who first sold her body, then oranges, before charming King Charles II. Winner of the 2016 Oliver Award for Best New Comedy, Nell Gwynn is a hilarious tale of a true 17th Century feminist icon.

1660 Drury Lane. Charles II has cast off London’s drab, puritanical past with a love of all things loud, French and sexy. A young Nell Gwynn is selling oranges for sixpence in London’s burgeoning West End theatre scene. Little does she know who is in the audience one fateful night.

Jessica Swale’s warm hearted, bawdy comedy tells the story of an unlikely heroine, who went from lowly orange seller to win the adoration of the public and the heart of the King. Starring Olivier Award nominated actress Laura Pitt Pulford, Nell Gwynn is brought to the stage by English Touring Theatre.