A Downton Abbey star will be performing in a play in aimed at preventing violence against women in Kent next month.

Raquel Cassidy will appear at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge in two performances of Hurried Steps.

The play, written by Dacia Maraini for the launch of Amnesty International's campaign to stop violence against women and girls, uses real stories to raise awareness of different forms of domestic abuse.

It will address issues inclulding emotional, psychological, sexual, physical and financial abuse.

Tickets for both performances on Tuesday, October 21, are free thanks to funding by Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety Partnership (CSP), The Brook Trust Fund, Kent Community Foundation and the Feminist Review Trust.

The showings, given by New Shoes Theatre, include a matinee at 12.30pm and an evening show at 7.30pm and are suitable for children over the age of 15.

“This is a powerful production that is likely to have a huge emotional impact on audiences" - Cllr Mark Rhodes...

The production is intended to stimulate a post-performance discussion between the audience and a panel of dedicated local fieldworkers and domestic violence experts who support families in the West Kent area.

The panel will include Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (DAVSS) representatives and young women who are peer mentors.

Cllr Mark Rhodes, chairman of the Tonbridge and Malling community safety partnership, said: “This is a powerful production that is likely to have a huge emotional impact on audiences.

"Nobody should have to suffer domestic abuse and I hope that the true stories brought to life so effectively in this play will help tackle the issue and raise awareness of the invaluable support available for victims.”

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/new-shoes-theatre-540001736Tickets can be reserved by calling 01732 772685 or online at