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Anna Foden

@annafoden.bsky.social
520 followers 277 following 262 posts

Writer of short plays and one seemingly endless biography. Love libraries, archives and generally looking stuff up.

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Reposted by Anna Foden
Oldham Coliseum Theatre @oldhamcoliseum.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Congratulations to our dear Julie for receiving the Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award! 👏 Check out our news page to read more about the award. tr.ee/cCEo9dSc93 The Great British Theatres Awards ceremony will be held at Central Hall Westminster on Monday 2nd November 2026.
Post announcing the Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award 2026, showing Julies Hesmondhalgh, a smiling older woman seated outdoors to convey celebration and recognition.Announcement that Oldham Coliseum guest curator Julie Hesmondhalgh will receive the first Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award from Theatres Trust, honoring her campaign to reopen Oldham Coliseum’s Fairbottom Street home and her advocacy for regional theatre.Julie Hesmondhalgh quoted praising being honoured to receive the Theatres Trust’s inaugural award and celebrating the community‑led campaign that saved Oldham Coliseum, shown as large bold black text on a yellow and pale peach graphic.Headshot above a theatre CEO's quote endorsing a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise someone who champions universal access to live theatre, saying no one in the public eye embodies that spirit more than Julie Hesmondhalgh.
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Ian McMillan @imcmillan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
First cup of tea: a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a handle.
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Lesley Pitman @lesleypitman.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
“When the Russians occupy, the first thing they do – and we know this from the areas that were occupied and then liberated in 2022 in the Kherson and Kharkiv regions – is to go to the libraries, take the Ukrainian language books out and destroy them.”
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southpaw @nycsouthpaw.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
A nonfiction book written in, let’s say, the year 1795, is most likely still around in a library somewhere and every other work it referred to is probably accessible in some archive as well. A nonfiction book written in 2007 probably cites a bunch of urls that are dead or rotted beyond recognition.
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womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Cornish artist Kirsty Elson trawls the beaches of her home collecting driftwood as the raw material for her fun animal sculptures #WomensArt
Photo of a small sculpture resembling an elingated pale coloured cat created from light brown driftwood pieces against a pale blue background
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New-Cleckit Dominie @ncdominie.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Just saw folk who join the uncritical rush towards AI referred to as "LLMings", and I am stealing that.
static.klipy.com
Vintage Pixel Game: Lemmings
Alt: Vintage Pixel Game: Lemmings
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womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
While listening to council meetings in Montreal, local mayor Sue Montgomery decided to knit in red when men spoke and in green when women spoke, when similar numbers of both attended. Day 1 results.... #WomensArt
Photo of uneven knitting with much larger amounts of red yarn than green
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German at Portsmouth @germanatportsmouth.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
'A joyful place’: a new museum coaxes Austrians to embrace 'The Sound of Music'. Sixty years after the film’s release, Salzburg is embracing a Hollywood classic it once kept at arm’s length. www.theguardian.com/film/2026/se... via @theguardian.com @deborahcole.bsky.social
theguardian.com
‘A joyful place’: a new museum coaxes Austrians to embrace The Sound of Music
Sixty years after the film’s release, Salzburg is embracing a Hollywood classic it once kept at arm’s length
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British Library @britishlibrary.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Two more as we couldn’t help ourselves
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British Library @britishlibrary.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
It's European Day of Languages, so here are some of our favourite untranslatable and wonderfully-specific words from across Europe that we wish we had in English ✨
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Dr Nazlin Bhimani @nazlinbhimani.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Some good news – a new library! Shakespeare’s Globe has opened a new public library and archive holding more than 6,000 books, original texts, recordings of productions and other treasures from the theatre’s history. www.thebookseller.com/news/shakesp... #Shakespeare #TheatreHistory #Renaissance
thebookseller.com
Shakespeare library and archive containing 6,000 books opens under the Globe theatre
The theatre has opened its newly renovated research and collection centre, which features London’s only publicly accessible dedicated Shakespeare library and archive
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Sinéad Gleeson @sineadgleeson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Marianne von Werefkin, #BOTD in 1860, in Russia. I’m writing about Paula Modhersohn-Becker & Gabriele Münter, and at the RA’s Making Modernism, discovered MVW's work beside theirs. After shooting her own hand, MVW had to relearn to paint. L-R: The Dancer Alexander Sacharoff The Return The Twins
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Philip Ralph @philralph.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
And therefore C4 will reduce the number of its commissions which reduces the number of shows which reduces the number of indies which reduces the work for freelancers… and the slow death of UK TV continues with seemingly no one prepared to do anything to turn it around… deadline.com/2026/09/chan...
deadline.com
Channel 4 To Combine Drama & Comedy Teams Under Historic Jobs Cull
Channel 4 will merge its drama and comedy commissioning units as the UK network seeks to cut its workforce by more than a quarter.
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Sarah Andersen @sarahseeandersen.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The image is of a four panel comic.
In panel one we see Sarah, the protagonist, lying in bed with the lights out. She says, "Is everyone ready for sleep?"
In panel two we see a brain, heart, and stomach. They say, "Yes!" "Yup!" and "Yep!" 
In panel three we see a bladder, squirming. A speech panel says "Bladder?"
In panel four the bladder looks up. It says, weakly, "I don't know".
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Those are proper opening hours #libraries
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Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Library staff, Moss Side, Manchester, early 20th century (Manchester Libraries).
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Women's Prize @womensprize.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Introducing our Publishing 101s 📕 For three weeks, starting on 4 November, we're hosting a series of online events built to demystify the publishing industry and help writers on their journey to publication. Learn more and book your spot on our website: womensprize.com/readers/even...
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History of Parliament @histparl.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
2026 is the 50th anniversary of the colour reissue of the children’s classic, Ivor the Engine, created by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin. To mark this, Dr Robin Eagles explores the little known political connections of the Postgate family, as well as the politics of The Clangers and Bagpuss.
historyofparliament.com
Clangers in Parliament: The Politics of Postgate and Bagpuss - The History of Parliament
2026 sees the 50th anniversary of the reissuing (in colour) of the children’s classic, Ivor the Engine, created by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin. What is
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Victorian Commons @victoriancommons.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
A brilliant read from our colleague Robin Eagles, whose range of expertise knows no bounds. Bonus points for making a connection between Bagpuss and parliamentary history!
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womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Aheneah is Ana Martins (b. 1996), a Portuguese artist and designer who created a cross stitch mural as street art #WomensArt
Four images featuring a mural of a blue fish created with yarn fastened around screws on the wall of a white building
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Nick Stone @typejunky.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Just read a Wikipedia entry for an artist and was trying to imagine the working class backgrounded version. ‘Showed great promise with art at school, but had to get a job at Aviva, worked their way up to team leader over 25 years, got made redundant, worked for a charity for 15 years.
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womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Dee Nickerson, contemporary UK painter who explores themes of living in the countryside #WomensArt #September
Painting featuring two women walking in a golden field with two dogs and a cat surrounded by flying birds
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Peachykeeen @peachykeeen.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Good to see the shops in Barnard Castle are still having fun with Dominic Cummings’s little road trip #WeekJforJocular #AlphabetChallenge 📷
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Dr Tara Talwar Windsor @ttw1984.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Some bank holiday / end of summer reading for you all! A blog about a book that’s been a long time coming - and we’re pretty proud of it! Thanks to @profsarajones.bsky.social & Betiel Wasihun for all the hard work and collegiality while writing and for keeping us going when times were tough 🙏🏽🤓
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Boydell & Brewer @boydellandbrewer.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Betiel Wasihun, Tara Talwar Windsor and Sara Jones explore how writers in East Germany acquired, shared & acted on knowledge about the Stasi revealing the role of literary networks in navigating surveillance & secrecy. Read the blog: buff.ly/JIkaF8a @profsarajones.bsky.social @ttw1984.bsky.social
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Abby Barker @abbybarker.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
We already have one in my library. Can highly recommend.
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Kyle Griffin @kylegriffin1.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library gifted more than 332,000,000 books since it was first created 31 years ago.
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Larry the Cat @number10cat.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Farewell, Dolly x
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womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Dolly Rebecca Parton RIP, ❤️ US singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress, author, businesswoman and humanitarian #WomensArt
Monochrome photograph feating a white woman in a doorway with raised leg holding an acoustic guitar, smiling
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Joel @itsjoels.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
This is the letter kids got at the end of Dolly’s Imagination Library. I defy you to read this and not cry.
Sorry, I can’t type that.
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Not Dolly! Love the music, loved her in 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias and loved everything she did for literacy and libraries. She was amazing.
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Elanor @elanorandthearts.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
CALLING LONDONERS 📣 My friend has spent FIVE YEARS developing her play—a queer horror story—and she's hardly sold any tickets. She's travelling down from Leeds and I'm devastated 🥺 The Haunting of Verity Evans, The Hope Theatre, 25th–26th August. I hope you'll join me! Please share if you can't!
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The lovely cast of 'Take Me To Your Leader' - Ashleigh Jones, Paul James and Hannah Combs. So proud of them and everyone who made #RaisedVoices happen. #DroylsdenLittleTheatre
The cast of Take Me To Your Leader. Two women and a green alien, otherwise known as Ashleigh Jones, Paul James and Hannah Combs.
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womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Sibelius Monument (1967) by Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen, the sculpture is dedicated to the composer Jean Sibelius #womensart
Abstract sculpture sited in a park resembling a wave of vertical silver pipes
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I am ridiculously excited about this www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
theguardian.com
Seam me up, Scotty! After 60 years, Star Trek has had a muppet takeover. About time too
Star Wars has embraced the magic of puppetry since the 70s, but Trekkers have been starved of any muppet action … until now. The creators of Strange New Worlds talk about boldly sewing where no one ha...
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Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Crail Harbour, Fife, Scotland, painting by Ann Spence Black, 1861-1947 (University of St Andrews).
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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
If anyone has had Activist Group in their libraries carrying out reviews then please get in touch, I need some info.
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Really enjoyed the new plays at #RaisedVoices, Droylsden Little Theatre, last night. OK, I'm biased , one of them was mine, but all the performances were excellent. Congratulations to the casts and directors. On for another 2 nights. www.droylsdenlittletheatre.co.uk #newwriting #Tameside #Droylsden
Tom Dodd as Jordan and Mally Hinson as Kath, onstage wearing sparkly dresses and taking a selfie in 'Date Night' by Linda Downs.Linda Boyles onstage as Patricia in 'The Librarian' by Michelle Lockwood. Linda is dressed in dark grey and standing next to a table with a box labelled 'This way up'.Hope Davenport onstage as The Reporter in 'Bears Will Be Bears' by Ashleigh Jones. Hope is wearing a light blue sleeveless jacket and holding a microphone. There are protest placards behind her
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Really excited to see my play 'Take Me to Your Leader' performed at Droylsden Little Theatre, 20-22 August 👽 Starring the very talented Ashleigh Jones, Hannah Combs and Paul James. www.droylsdenlittletheatre.co.uk/performances... #newwriting #ManchesterTheatre #Tameside Photos: Dan Browne
Paul James, Hannah Combs and Ashleigh Jones in 'Take Me to Your Leader', Droylsden Little Theatre. Photo by Dan Browne.Paul James, Ashleigh Jones and Hannah Combs in 'Take Me to Your Leader',  Droylsden Little Theatre. Photo by Dan Browne.Paul James in 'Take Me to Your Leader', Droylsden Little Theatre. Photo by Dan Browne.
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Lung Gene Therapy @cfgtedinburgh.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Today I learnt the useful term "sloperator" which could also be deployed in these circumstances.
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womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Pauline Cumming, Scottish creator of quirky ceramics with feminist themes and humour #womensart
Rounded odd shaped white plate with blue painted image of the head and shoulders of a white woman surrounded by a text stating 'How did we let this shitshow happen'
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purr.in.ink @purrinink.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
May your day be filled with tiny voids 🐈‍⬛🤍
 A playful pile of fluffy black cats with wide white eyes sits against a dreamy pink, blue, and green background. Yellow text reads “Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day,” with smaller white text beside the cats saying, “May the purr be with you.”
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Campaign for the Arts @campaignforthearts.org · 25/07/2026
The new Prime Minister is writing a "10-year plan" for the UK. @andyburnham.bsky.social the arts and culture MUST be part of it. We've launched an urgent petition to make sure the arts can play their part in revitalising the nation 🌱 Add your name ✏️ www.campaignforthearts.org/petitions/10...
Image of street performer in colourful outfit on Northern high street. Heading Petition, Campaign for the Arts logo, and text Put the arts in the 10-year plan
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Andy Burnham is writing a "10-year plan" for the UK. The arts and culture must be part of it! Please join me in signing the Campaign for the Arts’ petition: www.campaignforthearts.org/petitions/10...
campaignforthearts.org
Prime Minister – put the arts in your 10-year plan for the UK | Campaign for the Arts
Sign our petition urging the UK Government to build a country where the arts are available from childhood, accessible to all and thriving everywhere.
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The brilliant Luca Taylor is directing my play 'Take Me to Your Leader' at Droylsden Little Theatre, 20-22 August. If you come to see it you'll find out why aliens go to Ikea. www.droylsdenlittletheatre.co.uk/performances... fb.watch/I_TRj2CVlK/ #newwriting #Manchestertheatre #Tameside
Screenshot of a video of Luca Taylor, director of 'Take Me to Your Leader', with Ikea in the background.
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Arts Professional @artsprofessional.co.uk · 14/08/2026
More than a third of adults say they regret not continuing to make or study music when they were younger, research has found.
artsprofessional.co.uk
One in three adults 'wish they’d kept going with music', survey finds - Arts Professional
More than a third of adults say they regret not continuing to make or study music when they were younger, research has found.
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Take Me to Your Leader - my play will be on at Droylsden Little Theatre next week as part of Raised Voices fb.watch/IUJhpYvaDY/ Come and find out why aliens go to Ikea #newwriting #ManchesterTheatre #Tameside #RaisedVoices
fb.watch
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Anna Foden @annafoden.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Really interesting - biographers @andrewkenrick.bsky.social, Joy McAlpine-Black & Jane Rogoyska in conversation with @midgegillies.bsky.social about how they wrote their books youtu.be/5tDKEXf6VA4?... I often think the past is talking to me when I'm researching. #biography #creativenonfiction
youtu.be
In Conversation With... Andrew Kenrick, Joy McAlpine-Black, Jane Rogoyska
YouTube video by CambridgePACE
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Fire Brigades Union @fbunational.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
In the last 48 hours, we've seen major wildfires in Nottinghamshire, Hampshire, South Wales, and Suffolk. This is not bad luck. This is climate change, and firefighters are on the frontline.
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womensartbluesky.bsky.social @womensartbluesky.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Turkish artist Selma Gürbüz, Full moon, woman with umbrella, 2011 #womensart
Stylised artwork of sitting woman with umbrella in silhouette next to a flying bird in front of a round moon, all against a red sky
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