A Cabaret of Courage and Corsets with Fiona-Jane Weston

Solo performance looks at the women who shaped the Victorian age

Fiona-Jane Weston

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February 15, 2026

The Tabard Theatre in Chiswick will mark International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March with Victorian Women: A Cabaret of Courage and Corsets, a solo performance that blends drama, song and women’s history.

The show explores the lives of women who shaped the Victorian era, as well as several whose achievements went unrecognised at the time.

Among the figures featured are Ada Lovelace, whose visionary ideas anticipated the invention of the computer; Caroline Naughton, whose pioneering legal work helped women retain custody of their children after divorce; and Carrie Jacobs-Bond, who became a millionairess on the strength of a single song. The performance also highlights the work of Victorian female detectives, whose identities remain unknown because they operated undercover.

Created and performed by London-based actor, singer and writer Fiona-Jane Weston, the cabaret draws on real historical texts and period music to bring these stories to life. Her work has been praised for its charm, wit and lightness of touch, with The Times noting that she “maintains a light touch, imparting intriguing nuggets of information at every step.” With its mix of humour, history and live performance, the show offers a timely cultural celebration for the local community.

Fiona-Jane Weston has performed her solo shows at venues including The Other Palace, The Pheasantry and Crazy Coqs, as well as on national and international tours. She is known for her distinctive approach to historical themes, particularly women’s history, in productions such as Wartime Women and Looking for Lansbury. She also writes about theatre and cabaret on her blog Capital Cabarets and Shows Scene and contributes to leading theatre publications.

Victorian Women: A Cabaret of Courage and Corsets takes place at 3pm on Sunday 8 March at the Tabard Theatre.

Tickets cost £23.50 for general admission or £19.50 for concessions. Running Time is one hour with no interval.

For booking and further details, visit the Tabard Theatre website or contact the box office directly.

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