The Ballad of Maria Marten, Beth Flintoff’s retelling of a real-life scandal that shocked the nation, will be brought to vivid life at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme this February. Inspired by the Notorious ‘Red Barn Murder’, this spine-tingling crime drama is set in the summer of 1827 when a young Maria Marten and her friends pine for escape from the sleepy, soulless Suffolk village of Polstead. A place stuck in its age-old traditions, life revolves around the humdrum human circle of life – marriages, births and deaths – in synchronization with the seasons. There’s a possible threat of starvation; the villagers plod stoically on regardless. But that kind of life isn’t enough for fiery Maria.
Her determination for a more exciting existence leads her into the company of a wealthy landowner. She agrees to meet her new lover at The Red Barn, a local landmark which will become infamous for her murder a year later, when Maria’s barely identifiable body is discovered in a grain sack. So what exactly went wrong on that sweet summer’s day, supposedly so full of promise?
‘The Red Barn Murder’ became national news and inspired numerous books, dramatizations and films with its classic crime drama motifs – a missing body, a country location, and a disreputable squire all at the centre of the story. Beth Flintoff’s retelling is a fresh take on the life and times of Maria Marten and the events that led to her gruesome murder.
CAST
Elizabeth Crarer – Maria
Suzanne Ahmet – Sarah/Lady Cooke
Emma Denly – Theresa/Peter
Jessica Dives – as Phoebe
Sarah Goddard – Ann
Susanna Jennings – Lucy
Creative Team:
Director – Hal Chambers
Writer – Beth Flintoff
Designer – Verity Quinn
Lighting Designer – Zoe Spurr
Composer – Luke Potter
Movement – Rebecca Randall
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £15.50 to £24.50 (concessions available). A transaction fee of £1.00 per ticket applies when booking online. Four friends go for £68. Under 16s go free. Under 26s go free. Part of three plays for £50 package.
How do I book tickets to watch Tha Ballad of Maria Marten?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962. or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will be opening on Wednesday, 26 February to Saturday, 29 February 2020. Evening shows are at 7.30pm and there will be one matinee show on Saturday at 2.15pm. Please check the New Vic Theatre’s website for full details on timings.
Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Things to note:
The New Vic welcomes all customers and is committed to providing access to the arts for all, which includes:
- Free parking close to the theatre entrance for Blue Badge holders (reserve a space with the box office)
- Limited parking for customers, a small parking fee for £1.50
- Automatic doors and level access into the foyer, ramped access to the auditorium on the ground floor and lift access to the first floor
- Wheelchair spaces on both the ground and first floor
- Disabled toilets on both levels
- An induction loop system (not available for amplified performances and an infrared-assisted hearing system)
- Baby-changing facilities
- Assistance dogs are welcome and water will be provided (if you wish to take your dog into the auditorium, let the box office know when booking)
- Sign language-interpreted, audio-described, captioned, relaxed and schools’ performances are available for The Wind in the Willows
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Photo credit: New Vic Theatre
