Eastern Angles and Matthew Linley Creative Projects in association with the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
The Ballad of Maria Marten
By Beth Flintoff, Directed by Hal Chambers
‘One of the best theatre experiences of the year’ – East Anglian Daily Times
‘Flintoff restores dignity to Maria…unexpectedly joyous’ ★★★★ – The Guardian
‘A glorious piece of folk theatre… a beautifully honed, all-female ensemble’ ★★★★ – The Telegraph
A thrilling retelling of the story of Maria Marten and the Red Barn.
Audiences across the UK have been enthralled by Eastern Angles hit production The Ballad of Maria Marten and, now on it’s third UK tour, it is back by popular demand.
Summer, 1827. In a red barn Maria Marten awaits her lover. A year later her body is found under the floor of the barn in a grain sack, barely identifiable, and the manhunt begins. Maria’s story sent shock waves throughout the country.
The Red Barn Murder (as it became known) was national news, inspiring writers and filmmakers down the ages. The sort of gruesome tale that had all the hallmarks of a classic crime drama – a missing body, a country location, a disreputable squire and a village stuck in its age-old traditions. But in all this hysteria Maria’s own story gets lost.
Until now.
Hal Chambers and Beth Flintoff’s spine-tingling retelling rediscovers her story, bringing it back to vivid, urgent life.
Told through the eyes of Maria and the women who loved her, this beautifully staged production brings the power of movement, music and storytelling together for a heart stopping evening of theatrical magic.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the theatre and we’re taking active steps to ensure that everyone can feel safe, relaxed and enjoy the show. Read our latest Covid measures here.
‘Rich and transporting’
The Stage
‘Flintoff restores dignity to Maria…unexpectedly joyous’
The Guardian
‘A glorious piece of folk theatre… a beautifully honed, all-female ensemble’
The Telegraph
‘An exceptional show…… It gives a voice back to the voiceless, acknowledges the ambiguities of historical fact, and is often very, very funny. ….possibly the best thing I’ve seen in London this year, and to miss it on tour would be criminal.’
The Independent
‘Powerful and thought-provoking… gives us the thrills of a whodunit with a powerful social commentary’
The Reviews Hub
‘It is vital, layered and empowered, a beautiful piece of theatre’
A Young Theatre
‘Dynamic and compelling… An overdue, unapologetically feminist take on Maria Marten’s tale, the play is a warm and powerful tribute to all women who were, and still are, wronged by an unequal system.’
The Upcoming
‘Completely absorbing – a lyrical and exuberant show that will haunt you.’
Fairy Powered Productions
‘What makes this retelling by Beth Flintoff so vivid and fresh is the complete focus on Maria herself and the women who surround her. The richness of her relationships with her friends and stepmother, who defies the usual stereotypes to be an entirely positive source of love and support, give this tragic tale depth, life and even laughter. Women simply are the main event here.’
Southwark News
‘The Ballad Of Maria Marten is scarily up-to-date’
Sadie Takes The Stage
‘Superbly staged’
British Theatre Guide
‘Extraordinary, brilliant and powerful’
Charles Hutch Press
‘A thrilling and poignant retelling’
Grapevine Live
‘One of the best theatre experiences of the year.’
East Anglian Daily Times
‘Maria Marten is reborn in stunning show’
Ipswitch Star
‘This is a gem of a production’
On Yorkshire Magazine
Northcott Theatre
