The Guilty Feminist’s presents The Road to Gilead, a live comedy podcast series that will examine how hard-won rights are being eroded and how collective action can protect them. It considers the parallels between current political developments and the flashbacks in Atwood’s fictional dystopian novel and TV series The Handmaid’s Tale. These will be presented as 6 live ticketed events and one community open space beginning this Sunday, 2nd November.
These events will bring together campaigners, artists and public figures to share insights and strategies.Guests include BAFTA-winning satirist and commentator Jolyon Rubenstein with comedian Jessica Fostekew; Chiara Capraro, Programme Director for Gender Justice at Amnesty International UK, with comedian Alison Spittle; comedian Felicity Ward; Baroness Liz Barker, advocate for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and Monica Ferro, Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Jane Bradley, investigative journalist at The New York Times who broke the story about the ties between the ADF (conservative Christian legal group instrumental in overturning Roe V Wade) and Nigel Farage and Reform UK, with actor and writer Susan Wokoma; and screenwriter and LGBTQ+ advocate Russell T. Davies (It’s a Sin, Queer as Folk, Dr Who) with musician and activist Grace Petrie. Each event focuses on a different theme, including coalition-building, gender justice, democracy, sexual and reproductive rights, transatlantic political networks and the power of storytelling. The series concludes with a an open space event (held atAmnesty International UK) designed to build collaboration and collective action.
The project stems from the current climate In the United States where women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and migrant protections have faced increasing restrictions. Similar patterns are emerging in the United Kingdom, where American Christian nationalist networks have built connections with British political figures. These alliances are influencing debates on abortion, equal marriage and democracy.
The podcasts take place against the backdrop of significant global shifts: the overturning of Roe v. Wade, statements from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage opposing abortion limits and same-sex marriage, and growing connections between British and American figures promoting restrictive social agendas. A recent New York Times investigation uncovered confirmed links between The Alliance Defending Freedom, a US-based group active in overturning Roe v. Wade, and Reform UK. (The journalists who broke the story will be interviewed for this series.)
With these developments gaining momentum, The Road to Gilead calls attention to the urgent need for democratic participation and solidarity in defending human rights.
“A Gilead-like dystopia doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a road to get there. I believe we are on that road now but we have the time and will to turn around. We just need to act. But shouting at people on social media is counter-productive. We need to form coalitions and get organised. On my last tour around the country I saw there was a huge appetite for coming together and making a change with energy, connection and conviction. People feel alone and helpless sometimes. This is a call to collaboration and positive, collective action. The space will continue to be a warm, welcoming, funny, joyful one because that draws people together. There’ll be jokes and sometimes songs – and there’ll be camaraderie and action.” Deborah Frances-White
Presented by The Guilty Feminist Podcast and hosted by comedian and writer Deborah Frances-White, the podcast has had over 150 million downloads. A mix of stand-up comedy, conversation and activism, the show has been recorded live at venues including The Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium, The Sydney Opera House and The Wellington Arena.
Recent guests have included Annie Lennox and Gillian Anderson. The podcast has received multiple honours including three wins and multiple nominations at the British Podcast Awards up to 2025, including the Gold Spotlight Award in 2020. They are also multiple Gold winners at The Pod Bible Awards and this year were highly commended at The Golden Lobes.
It has also supported a range of causes and social movements. Phoebe Waller-Bridge described the show as “hilarious, irreverent, eternally surprising, classy as hell, genius. Everyone is talking about them talking.” Emma Thompson called The Guilty Feminist “essential for the planet.”
All events in this new series will be recorded live and released as episodes on The Guilty Feminist podcast feed.
Programme Listings – for more information and tickets visit guiltyfeminist.com/live-shows.
Sunday 2 November, 7.30pm – Museum of Comedy, London WC1A 2SR
The Value of Coalition
Guest: Jolyon Rubenstein, BAFTA-winning cultural commentator and satirist
Co-host: Jessica Fostekew
Tuesday 4 November, 7.40pm – Pleasance, London N7 9EF
The Fight Back for Gender Justice
Guest: Chiara Capraro, Programme Director for Gender Justice, Amnesty International UK
Co-host: Alison Spittle
Monday 10 November, 7.40pm – Pleasance, London N7 9EF
The Manipulation of Anti-Migrant Sentiment for Political Ends
Guest: Minnie Rahman, the CEO of Praxis – an award winning human rights charity fighting for migrant and refugee rights.
Co-host: Felicity Ward
Sunday 16 November, 7.30pm – Museum of Comedy, London WC1A 2SR
Double event:
How to Use the Democratic Process and Make Our Voices Heard – Baroness Liz Barker
Protecting Sexual and Reproductive Rights – Monica Ferro, Director, UNFPA
Sunday 23 November, 7.30pm – Angel Comedy at The Bill Murray, London N1 8NQ
Investigating Transatlantic Networks
Guest: Jane Bradley, The New York Times (she – and Elizabeth Dias who will also appear on the recorded podcast – interviewed over 40 people including officials from Reform UK and the ADF.)
Co-host: Susan Wokoma
Saturday 6 December, 2.00pm – Soho Theatre, London W1D 4HS
Stories, Representation and Resistance
Guest: Russell T. Davies
Co-host and music: Grace Petrie
Open Space Community Event
Friday 17 January 2025 – Amnesty International UK, London (with online participation available)
An open community forum for organisers, activists and participants to share ideas and develop practical responses to the rise of far-right and nationalist movements.