Critically acclaimed staging of The Ballad of Maria Marten tours to Bath’s Ustinov Studio

A powerful stage production of The Ballad of Maria Marten tours to the Ustinov Studio at the Theatre Royal Bath on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th February with evening performances at 8pm and a Saturday matinee at 3pm. Turning history into her-story, this revisionist retelling of a harrowing true crime sheds light on a complex tale of love, loss, prejudice and patriarchal power. 

It is summer 1827 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’. 

Featuring an all-female cast including Elizabeth Crarer who reprises the title role, alongside Jessica Dives, Susie Barrett, Sarah Goddard, Bethan Nash and Lydia Bakelmun, the performance is directed by Hal Chambers. 

Writer Beth Flintoff was inspired by her work with survivors of psychological abuse, and The Ballad of Maria Marten is a clarion call for an equal and safe society, showcasing the power and joy that can be found in female camaraderie.

Beth Flintoff comments, “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.” 

Director Hal Chambers 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. Nearly 200 years on, we hope to let Maria and her friends finally have a voice - and what emerges, especially post lockdown, is a play for our times. Told in vivid movement, searing music and a swirl of passion, The Ballad of Maria Marten stars a dazzling all-female ensemble.”

The Ballad of Maria Marten appears at the Ustinov Studio on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th February. Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov