Leigh and Jo

JOANNA Eden and Leigh McDonald describe their new show The Unbearable Pleasure of Being a Woman, which will have its “world premiere” in Saffron Walden on February 16, as the perfect antidote to Valentine’s Day!

Singer/songwriter Joanna explains: “It can all get a bit cheesy at this time of year ... for couples and singletons alike! And laughter is the best medicine for that.”

After writing music for a fringe play last year, the duo realised their talents extend further than just performing and admit to having the writing bug. “Every comical thought or situation is now just fodder for our repertoire,” added Joanna, “and we welcome ideas, too!” Joanna and Leigh will be continuing their collaboration with the charity Home-Start Uttlesford, which provides support to struggling families in the area.

“Life can be really tough sometimes for young families, especially when they don’t have family nearby and our music is about dealing with what life throws at you,” says Joanne. “But sometimes laughter isn’t enough and that’s when Homestart steps in.”

The duo will be combining their own compositions with musical theatre and jazz repertoire and point out that the show is not suitable for children or those of a delicate disposition.

• Doors for the show, at the Saffron Hotel on the High Street, open at 8pm and tickets are priced at £10. They can be reserved by calling the Saffron Hotel on 01799 522676 or by e-mailing reservations@saffronhotel.co.uk Reductions on the new pie menu are available for those who would like to eat too!