The Ballad of Maria Marten

Review by Richie Simpson, Presenter of Theatreland on RWS FM 103.3.

Every so often you come across a piece of theatre that you know is absolutely radical, completely necessary, breathtakingly powerful and quite simply a masterpiece. After seeing the original Eastern Angles production of Beth Flintoff's The Ballad of Maria Marten (twice) I knew that I had discovered one of the best plays that I had ever seen. So, when I was invited to the Conservatoire East production at Moyses Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds, I very quickly accepted.

This production did not disappoint.

In fact, that a group of students managed to deliver this utterly mind-blowing and devastating piece of theatre speaks volumes about their talent and their course at Conservatoire East.

Based on a true story, The Ballad of Maria Marten reclaims the story of Maria, who was murdered in the 1820s by William Corder in the Red Barn in Polstead, Suffolk. The crime became a national sensation, with plays, stories and songs written about it. However, these were all about the murderer. Indeed, there is even a book that is bound in his skin at Moyses Hall Museum. Maria's story and life were forgotten. Even her gravestone has been worn away from the waves of tourists that visited Polstead following her death.

This wonderful play gives Maria her voice back, and speaks for all those who have been silenced by the fascination society has with true crime and criminals. It reminds us that the stories of those who are subjected to violence are more than important than the person who subjected them to it. Indeed, the murderer does not appear in this play.

Director Lottie Pook and her team made some clever creative decisions with this production. Firstly, setting the play in Moyses Hall Museum felt utterly radical and right.

In fact, it felt historic.

By placing this story here, Maria's story finally speaks louder than any remnant of her murderer. Furthermore, by putting this play in the round and at close range, you could see every movement in the characters' faces, feel every emotion, sense how important this was. All actors remained on stage throughout the piece, joining the audience in the round to hear Maria tell her story. It was like she was finally able to tell Polstead what happened. Helena Rudd's choreography was in keeping with the period, heartwarming and a joy to watch.

With minimalist sets you can really see if a play can hold its own. This play does. Pook's decision to use little to no set made you focus on the words, while the lighting and sound (designed by student Toby-Jack Farrow) gave all the sense of atmosphere that was needed.

The role of Maria Marten is massive; emotionally exhausting and the pin that holds the whole play together. In this role, Trinity-Joy Bayliss Mills was spellbinding, and is a real talent to watch. She served tragedy, anger, pathos, comedy and impeccable storytelling throughout. I was mesmerised by her performance.

Equally important to the success of this play are the portrayals of her friends and stepmother. Abigail Fletcher convincingly conveyed how misunderstood Lucy Baalham was, while as Sarah Stowe, Isabella Connelly delivered unflinching strength. Hannah Green, as Phoebe Stowe, and Imogen Haynes, as Theresa Havers, worked so well together to deliver a heartwrenching finale to the piece. Special mention must go to Molly Roques as Maria's stepmother, Ann Martin. She was wonderfully powerful in this role, demonstrating the unconditional love and traumatic grief that this part requires. Meanwhile, Valencia Bremner Bailey's characterisation of Lady Cooke was excellent.

The supporting cast provided well-rounded depth to the play.

This was a truly fantastic production of a vital piece of theatre. It is my belief that ‘The Ballad of Maria Marten’ should be seen by as many people as possible, particularly in Suffolk where it is part of our history.

I am thrilled that I got to see it at Moyses Hall Museum this evening.

Note: This was an impromptu review of a show not previously listed on the website.

The Ballad of Maria Marten was at Moyses Hall in Bury St Edmunds from 6 - 8 November.