The #WakingtheFeminists campaign instigated as a reaction to the lack of female playwrights on the Abbey Theatre's 2016 programme has gained an international audience.

Hollywood stars Meryl Streep and Christine Baranski have lent their support to the campaign, with a picture of them being posted holding a sign saying '#WakingtheFeminists - I support Irish women in Irish theatre'. They are joined in the photo by Irish actress and playwright Laoisa Sexton.

They are the latest high-profile stars to pin their flag to the mast, following actress Debra Messing's support at the weekend.

As previously reported, a debate on the topic of the Abbey's programme is to be held in the theatre this afternoon at 1pm.

Pic via Lisa Tierney-Keogh/Twitter below: