When people hear the word ‘horror’, they might often think of violence, fear, and of women in peril. But the relationship between horror and women is far richer – and far more surprising – than many realise. 
From the rise of the Gothic in the eighteenth century, women have been at the heart of the horror genre – not just as characters, but as creators. These chilling tales were often written by women, for women, and became a powerful space to explore their deepest fears, desires, and frustrations. Horror offered something radical: a genre that could challenge social norms, question power structures, and give voice to the unspoken.
In this fast-paced, four-century journey through literary history, we’ll uncover how women have shaped the horror genre – transforming haunted houses, ghosts, vampires, and monsters into metaphors for real-life struggles. From Mary Shelley’s 
Frankenstein
 to Shirley Jackson’s 
The Haunting of Hill House
, from the forgotten women of Romantic poetry to the simmering rage in 
Jane Eyre
, this talk examines how horror has become a vessel for feminist expression.
Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!
Follow us on IG @seedtalks
Dr Joan Passey is a Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Bristol where she specialises in the gothic, horror, and folklore in literature and culture. She has a Masters from the University of Oxford and a PhD from the University of Exeter, both focusing on the gothic and the supernatural. She is a BBC/AHRC New Generation Thinker and regularly contributes to and presents for BBC Radio 3, and has spoken at Hay Festival and from the BBC Proms. She edits anthologies for the British Library Tales of the Weird series, with titles including Cornish Horrors: Tales from the Land's End, Our Haunted Shores: Tales from the Coasts of the British Isles, and Phantoms of Kernow: Tales from Haunted Cornwall. Her monograph, Cornish Gothic, 1830-1913 (University of Wales Press, 2023) was the first to define a Cornish Gothic tradition in the nineteenth century, and she co-edited Shirley Jackson's Dark Tales: Reconsidering the Short Fiction (Bloomsbury, 2024) with Robert Lloyd.
This talk is 16+ 
Testimonials from our guests
⭐ 
Super Interesting talks! Fun and Informative - 
Ally S.
⭐ 
Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - 
Owen S
⭐ 
Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - 
Daisy J  
This talk is 16+. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, and all under 25s may require government issued photo ID to gain entry.
For accessibility requirements, please contact the venue with any accessibility requirements before booking. Spaces may be limited and will be sold on a first come first served basis.You can call: 0121 693 2248 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm & Sat/Sun 12-6pm) or email info@glee.co.uk with your access requirements and the show you wish to see in order to make a booking. Disabled Access is available by lift.
Information Source: Seed Talks | eventbrite

Birmingham

United Kingdom

Searching for information and tickets regarding Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill | The Glee Club Birmingham taking place in Birmingham on Oct 30, 2025 (UTC+1)? Trip.com has you covered. Check the dates, itineraries, and other information about Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill | The Glee Club Birmingham now! Trip.com has also prepared more similar exciting activities and discounted flight and hotel packages.

Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill | The Glee Club Birmingham: Tickets, Dates & Itineraries | Trip.com

Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill | The Glee Club Birmingham

Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill | Trip.com

null | Trip.com

Share your results and see what your friends think!

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Near Birmingham New Street Railway Station|Business District, Birmingham

Cadbury World

Immediate access

Book now for today

Family-friendly Attractions

M27***62

Children love it, it&#39;s a must for families with kids! I saw British schools also organize students to play there. Overall, it&#39;s more worthwhile than the Whisky Museum and the Peter Rabbit Museum. The first two are actually worth going to the shopping malls to buy something, and the doors of the shopping malls are open to passers-by.

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Elbik

We made a dedicated trip and had a lovely few hours. There was lots to see with split levels that kept your interest. The penguins were nice, the octopus made an appearance and we would have loved to see more of the otters., we see the otters.. There is plenty to see, read and touch. My grand daughter loved it all, the turtle in the tunnel is beautiful . It was clean, and we had a great time, would definitely go back, staff were helpful,its really nice and deserve to be visited again and again.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Museums

Themed exhibition halls

M43***62

For a smaller town the Art Museum as great. We really enjoyed our visit and would recommend it if you are traveling to Birmingham. Make sure to call ahead to see if they are open.

Winterbourne House & Garden

Historic buildings

Hossain Hoq Prohor

Winterbourne House &amp; Garden in Birmingham is a hidden gem that perfectly combines history, nature, and charm. The Edwardian house offers a glimpse into early 20th-century family life, beautifully preserved with period furnishings and fascinating exhibits. Surrounding it are seven acres of stunning botanical gardens filled with rare plants, glasshouses, and peaceful walking paths. Each season brings new colors and blooms, making it delightful year-round. The tranquil atmosphere, alongside the picturesque lakeside and tea room, creates an ideal spot for relaxation and photography. Winterbourne House &amp; Garden is a must-visit for anyone seeking beauty, heritage, and serenity in Birmingham.

Chinatown

BBOmBB

There are Chinese Super League, restaurants, and many other specialty restaurants to choose from.
It&#39;s not hard to find something to eat here.
However, the food at this restaurant was a bit disappointing.

Time:	Oct 30, 2025 (UTC+1) ENDED
Location:	The Glee Club Birmingham

Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill | The Glee Club Birmingham

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill?

Recommended Products for Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill | The Glee Club Birmingham

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Cadbury World

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Winterbourne House & Garden

Chinatown

Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill | The Glee Club Birmingham

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill?

Recommended Products for Gothic fiction & The Female Writer: From Jane Eyre to The Haunting of Hill | The Glee Club Birmingham

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Cadbury World

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Winterbourne House & Garden

Chinatown

More contents about Birmingham