THE last time Margaret's husband beat her she knew her life would have to change.

She took her three young children and fled, declaring herself homeless and relying on friends for a place to stay.

After months of moving from pillar to post, the young mum finally found a house her children could call home.

And with her life turned around, Margaret became involved in community drama - determined to help other abused women.

Now she and groundbreaking Glasgow theatre company Unheard Voices are making their message international - by playing to 300 of the world's top businesswomen.

Solely for people affected by homelessness, Unheard Voices have played in venues ranging from local hostels to the Scottish Parliament. This week they staged a new play for Soroptimist International - the worldwide fundraising group of female business leaders.

Around 300 Soroptimists - from as far afield as Australia, Japan and the Philippines - arrived at Sauchiehall Street's CCA this week to watch Alone.

Margaret, 48, said: "My marriage broke up 22 years ago. I had my children to think about and my husband was becoming increasingly violent. The last beating was too much, and I left. I knew he would kill me or I would have to kill him."

After relying on friends for a place to stay, Margaret finally got back on her feet.

But six years ago the mum and grandmother found herself homeless again.

She added: "I woke up one day and just realised I couldn't cope with my life. I packed my bags and walked out, making myself homeless."

It was then that Margaret, from Pollok, got involved with community theatre.

She joined Unheard Voices four months ago.

Founded three years ago by Glasgow Homelessness Network, Unheard Voices aims to give the homeless a voice through dramas like Alone.

Director Alana Brady said: "The play highlights the different experiences of men and women who become homeless. The actors came up with the idea in a series of workshops and we wanted to educate the Soroptimists on the true nature of homelessness."

Pam James, of Soroptimist International, said: "Alone was absolutely fantastic.

"It was emotional and eye-opening but also uplifting and gave us ideas, information and motivation to look at the issues surrounding homelessness."