Thrilling revisionist true crime show THE BALLAD OF MARIA MARTEN embarks on UK tour
Photo credit: Tony Bartolomew
Turning history into her-story, critically acclaimed The Ballad of Maria Marten returns this autumn for a thrilling new tour, opening at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds on 16 September.
Produced by Eastern Angles and Matthew Linley Creative Projects, the show is a revisionist retelling of a harrowing true crime which sheds light on a complex tale of love, loss, prejudice, and patriarchal power.
It is summer1827 and in a red barn, Maria Marten awaits her lover. One year later, her body is found underneath the flooring in a grain sack, and the manhunt begins. Focussing on Maria’s life rather than her death, this feminist adaptation by Beth Flintoff brings Maria’s own perspective to the forefront of the infamous ‘Red Barn Murder’.
Bringing together an all-female cast, Elizabeth Crarer (Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Theatre Royal Haymarket) returns as Maria Marten, alongside Jessica Dives (Pride and Prejudice and Merry Wives of Windsor, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre) and Susie Barrett (The Gruffalo, West End). Joining them are Sarah Goddard (Hetty Feather, West End, UK and US tour), Bethan Nash (My Fair Lady, The Mill at Sonning) and Lydia Bakelmun (Babylon Beyond Borders, Bush Theatre); directed by Hal Chambers.
Originally commissioned by Eastern Angles, writer Beth Flintoff was inspired by her work with survivors of psychological abuse, and this timely production highlights the dangers lurking behind closed doors. The Ballad of Maria Marten is a clarion call for an equal and safe society. The story hopes to showcase the power and joy that can be found in female camaraderie.
Beth Flintoff said: “Eleven women died at the hands of their partners during the first three weeks of lockdown. It’s never been more important for us to consider and celebrate the lives of those that society does not manage to protect. This is an old story, about the infamous murder of a woman, but now the story is told from her point of view. I wanted to focus on who Maria was: who she loved, what she laughed about, and what she does when she's having fun. I didn’t want her to be a victim anymore, so there is no violence onstage.”
After Bury St Edmunds, the show visits Salford, Cheltenham, Oundle, Winchester, Basingstoke, Lowestoft and Colchester.
To book tickets, please visit the individual venue websites.
