HOLLYWOOD star Rose McGowan and journalist Catherine Mayer will headline the Storyhouse Women festival this spring.

McGowan, who is also an international activist and author, will discuss her bestselling memoir/manifesto Brave on Friday, April 26, whilst co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party and author Mayer will present her unique show FFS on Saturday, April 27.

Alex Clifton, artistic director at Storyhouse, said: "Bringing Rose McGowan and Catherine Mayer to Chester is something of a coup for Storyhouse and provides a great boost of energy to the drive for equality in our city.

"We're proud to welcome them and excited to share their message with Chester."

Now in its second year, Storyhouse Women is a weekend festival exploring and celebrating what it is to be a girl or a woman.

The three-day program will explore a range of global issues including feminism, domestic violence, addiction, women in sport, mental health, trans, Islamophobia, careers and religion.

Interviewed live on-stage, McGowan will discuss her book and explore the realities of coming of age in the cult of Hollywood.

Mayer is a writer, activist, speaker, consultant and the co-founder and President of the Women's Equality Party. She is the Executive Director of the think tank Datum Future.

Mayer will address ‘soundbite culture in a messed-up world’ in her talk: FFS.

Tickets go on sale today - Wednesday, February 6.

The rest of the Storyhouse Women festival will be announced later this month.

Find out more at www.storyhouse.com