Retelling of The Ballad of Maria Marten at Theatre by the Lake

The Ballad of Maria Marten comes to the Theatre By The Lake Tuesday, March 29 until Saturday, April 2. 

Produced by Eastern Angles and Matthew Linley Creative Projects, Beth Flintoff’s captivating drama turns history into her-story through the exploration of love, loss, trauma and power.

Ms Flintoff said: "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 did when she's having fun. Power and joy can be found in female camaraderie. I didn’t want her to be a victim anymore, so there is no violence onstage."

In the summer of 1827 Maria awaits her lover in a red barn, one year later her body is found underneath the flooring in a grain sack and the man hunt begins. 

The story exploded at the time in the press with the songs and stories surrounding it making it go down in English folklore. 

Director Hal Chambers, who has just finished two years directing with the RSC, adds: "At the beginning of The Ballad of Maria Marten writer Beth Flintoff's stage direction tells us that Maria's best friends ‘unmurder’ her and that is exactly what we are trying to do with this production."