A FESTIVAL described as 'an extravaganza of comedy, cabaret, festivity and feminism' is taking place in a number of venues across the Duchy.

Drawing upon the combined talents of more than 100 acclaimed artists, the Mayven Festival is being be held in venues throughout Cornwall until July 24.

The Festival will mark the 20th anniversary of much-loved local production hub Scary Little Girls… and looks to shine a light on the most catalytic and cathartic time in a woman’s life: the Mayven.

The festival's events are as follows:

  • July 20, Penlee Park Theatre, Penzance – Madcap Mayven Cabaret

Join compere Rebecca Mordan, aka 'Bunny Morethan,' for an evening of music, stories and comedy in cahoots with wonderful women including writer, researcher and broadcaster Dr Naomi Paxton and her award winning alter Ego 'Ada Campe,' winner of the 2020 Fringe World Comedy Award Elaine Miller and actor, writer and musician Alice Robinson.

  • July 21, The Drapery, Redruth – Deeds with Words/Too Little, Too Soon

A double-bill that sees respected researcher Dr Naomi unveil how the Actresses’ Franchise League and Women’s Suffrage League used their talents to support the Votes for Women movement.

  • July 22, Old Bakery Studios, Truro – Salon du Cinema: Mae West

Mae West was one of the most savvy and successful actresses of the 20th century, as well as the most scandalous.

Hear the inside story, then sit back and enjoy the classic She Done Him Wrong.

Falmouth Packet: Naomi Paxton in her roles as former magician's assistant and magician Ada Campe. 2019.Naomi Paxton in her roles as former magician's assistant and magician Ada Campe. 2019.

  • July 23, The Poly, Falmouth – The is a Vulva presents Labia Lessons

Find out what everything actually does, how to look after your genitals properly and join in a period pub quiz.

  • July 23, The Poly, Falmouth – Salon de la Vie presents Viva Your Vulva with Elaine Miller.

A comedic take on things which are hard to discuss, but that women need and want to know.

Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, winner of the 2020 Fringe World Comedy Award and recovered incontinent Elaine Miller thinks about women’s health most of the time.

  • July 24, Princess Pavilions, Falmouth – The Secret Storytelling Garden

Classic stories intertwine with specially commissioned new pieces woven from Cornwall’s rich mythologies.

  • July 24, Hall for Cornwall, Truro – Game On! Cabaret Pub Quiz

Join pub landlady Pat Pinch for this gameshow-inspired pub quiz.

Music lovers will be delighted to learn they will be able to hear the widely acclaimed Flo Perlin will be appearing throughout the week: at the Madcap Cabaret on July 20.

Rebecca Mordan, artistic director of Scary Little Girls, said: "Even though the festival features women, it certainly isn’t exclusive to them.

"The aim is to make the Festival a inclusive as possible using wit and wisdom to pay special honour to Mayven.

"It’s a largely unknown and unacknowledged stage in a woman’s life that begins around the age of forty.

"It’s the time when, independent of guardians and fee of dependants, a woman is at her most magnetic, sexy and powerful.

"How long does it last? Until the woman herself is ready to enter old age.

"We believe it’s time to celebrate it!"