Alice Hawkins – Working Class Suffragette

Alice Hawkins – Working Class Suffragette

Great-Grandson Peter Barratt with Sister Suffragette Ruth PownallSemi-professional company

60 minutesThe Vault
Great-grandson Peter Barratt with sister suffragette Ruth Pownall give a stirring and passionate account of working-class suffragette, Alice Hawkins, and her hard-fought campaign for the right to vote. Mother of six, lifelong socialist and shoe machinist by trade, Alice was arrested, imprisoned and almost forgotten, until now. As the UK approaches the centenary of working-class women gaining the vote, hear the suffragette history you were never taught and see her very own ‘Votes for Women’ sash, hunger strike medal, prison notes and more. Urgent, political and deeply human.**** (The Student Newspaper).

About Great-Grandson Peter Barratt with Sister Suffragette Ruth Pownall

Alice Hawkins – Working Class Suffragette is a 60-minute spoken word show at The Vault during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, presented by great-grandson Peter Barratt with sister suffragette Ruth Pownall. It tells the story of Alice Hawkins — a mother of six, lifelong socialist and shoe machinist who was arrested, imprisoned and almost forgotten in the fight for women's votes. Audiences can see her original 'Votes for Women' sash, hunger strike medal and prison notes. Suitable for ages 12 and above.

Why see this show?

History told by Alice Hawkins' own great-grandson, with original artefacts — her 'Votes for Women' sash, hunger strike medal and prison notes — present on stage. A working-class suffragette story that is urgent and deeply human.

Event Details

Monday 17 - Friday 21 August 2026

All performances at 11:20

5 performances

60 minutes

The Vault

11 Merchant Street

View on map

2 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£9 (8)

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it performed?

At The Vault during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.

What is the age guidance?

Suitable for ages 12 and above.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £9, with a concession price of £8.

Who are the performers?

Great-grandson Peter Barratt and sister suffragette Ruth Pownall give an account of Alice Hawkins and her campaign for the right to vote.

Are original artefacts shown?

Yes — Alice Hawkins' own 'Votes for Women' sash, hunger strike medal and prison notes are displayed.

About This Performance

Alice Hawkins – Working Class Suffragette is a spoken word performance at The Vault during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience the magic of live performance at Edinburgh Festival. Each show offers something unique and memorable.

Venue: The Vault

The Vault is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

Tips for Attending

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Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £9

Age Guidance: 12+

Content Warnings: None

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.Alice Hawkins – Working Class Suffragette represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more spoken word shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

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