Review: The Ballad of Maria Marten at The New Vic Theatre*

The Ballad of Maria Marten, Beth Flintoff’s re-telling of the notorious ‘Red Barn Murder’, is currently showing at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Based on real-life events and scandal, the production is set in the summer of 1827. The audience bears witness to Maria and her friends immortalise Maria and her plight through their powerful performance of her life, and untimely death. This gripping crime drama is a social commentary on the effects of social standing on the lives of young lovers in the early 19^th century. The play highlights the limitations placed on women, regardless of social position, and the way that they were perceived.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the performance as we arrived. Crime is not usually a genre that inspires me to watch a performance; however, judging by the number of cars parked early in the theatre car park and the heaving café, the performance looked to be a popular choice. It didn’t disappoint. There was an exciting buzz as we waited in the bar for the performance to begin. (I can definitely recommend the hot chocolate while you wait!)

‘The Red Barn Murder’ inspired many books, dramatisations and films. In the words of Maria, ‘If I’d lived a happy and long life, you wouldn’t all be here.’ This is something quite poignant that you take away from the performance. However sad you may feel for Maria due to the exploitation of her and her friends, you can take comfort from the fact that she will go down in history. This is due to the power of the pen and the performances of her life as a result of that. Beth Flintoff’s re-telling stands out from those that have gone before it because it sets out to reveal more about the character that was Maria. Her tale is not simply the one of bones found in a barn as the result of her gruesome murder. Flintoff’s re-telling makes sure that the spotlight is very firmly on Maria and not the sociopathic, wealthy landowner who wasn’t willing to share her with anyone else. Flintoff challenges us to remember that there was a living breathing young woman who had friends and a family who loved her.

The set was very simple, not unusual for productions at the New Vic. This meant that there weren’t any hugely theatrical moments filled with special effects. However, this did not detract from the quality of the performance. The costumes and the set that were used meant that the focus was squarely on Maria and her life, which is exactly how it should be.

The Ballad of Maria Marten, set out in two halves, is a well-written and brilliantly performed production told in a captivating and often (dark) humorous way. The production had the balance completely right: just when you think that your emotions cannot be twisted or turned over any further, a slice of humour serves to break the tension and allow you to re-group. The small, all female cast, deliver a genuine and powerful performance, which keeps the audience enthralled throughout. Elizabeth Crarer, who plays Maria very convincingly, jumps effortlessly between showing the audience her past life and then her perspective after the gruesome deed has been committed. The first half passed so quickly and the interval left us with a definite urge to hurry back to our seats to find out what the next chapter of this enthralling story would bring. A definite must-see!

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 The 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 opened yesterday and will continue until 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

Review by: Row Jukes

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Tragi-Comedy Two heads to New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Review: The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart at The New Vic Theatre

Review: Brassed Off at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme

Photo credit: New Vic Theatre / Tony Bartholomew