Poet, playwright, novelist, spy, APHRA BEHN - 'that lewd harlot' - was famous in the seventeenth century for her witty, bawdy comedies, exquisite verse and the first novels ever to be written by a woman.

This website introduces The Spirit of Aphra Behn, a one woman play, written and performed by Illona Linthwaite.

As the play opens, Isabel Quick, a modern day actress, prepares for a performance of The Widow Ranter by Aphra Behn. She is overwhelmed by stage fright. Her anguish opens the door for Aphra Behn's spirit to invade her. The result is poignant, funny, uplifting, as the notorious Restoration playwright discovers her work living and lauded in the twenty-first century.

The performance lasts one hour and includes some of Behn's most beautiful and audacious poetry. It has 'an engaging humanity, a sharp intelligence'.

The characters of Isabel and Aphra are sharply delineated; their communication across four centuries is a beguiling device. The show has already delighted audiences of all ages.