As part of the International Women’s Day 2026, join us to discover SPIRITUEUSES - Women and Whisky, a performance by the Âtre Collective, celebrating the often-overlooked role of women in the history of spirit production. The play will be followed by a Q&A with Ilène Grange, playwright, director and actress, and our partner Lauren Currie, product manager of the famous Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow.

As a matrimony (women’s heritage) play, it brings to life stories of the women who, since the 18th century, have produced, run, and traded whisky in Scotland and Ireland. Against the backdrop of war, prohibition, and modern change, Âtre Collective evokes the spirit and voices of pioneers such as Peggy Donaldson and Helen Cummings — trailblazers who helped shape today’s women leaders in whisky. Their stories remind us that what was long labelled “men’s business” was also built — often decisively — by women of equal skill and determination.

A common thread runs through women’s history in so-called “men’s worlds”: when women are made invisible, they are treated as if they never existed. Sport, corporate life, agriculture, war — these are just some of the fields where History has often pretended women played no part. SPIRITUEUSES sets out to break that silence and to imagine — by bringing to life — some of their moments: a celebration of women’s essential role in the making and rise of spirits and liquor empires. The first play is dedicated to the Women of Whisky.

Before the performance starts, our partner, the Clydeside Distillery will be providing some whisky for an arrival dram.

Lauren Currie has travelled across Scotland visiting distilleries, learning their stories, and meeting the people behind the drams. For her, whisky is far more than a drink to be enjoyed — it is an integral part of Scotland’s history, culture, economy, and tourism. With a background in hospitality across Glasgow’s hotels, weddings, and events scene, Lauren joined The Clydeside Distillery as Events Manager, delivering corporate receptions, private celebrations, and luxury dining experiences. She has since progressed to Product Manager across both The Clydeside Distillery and sister company A.D. Rattray, where she now plans bottlings, manages goods and suppliers, and oversees exports to 16 international markets.

Thursday, 5th March
6.15pm-8.15pm
Alliance Française Glasgow
£9 for members / £12 for non-members

Whisky will be provided by our partner The Clydeside Distillery.

An A2 level in French is recommended but not mandatory, as the performance remains accessible and understandable to all audiences.

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