The Ballad of Maria Marten at Wilton’s Music Hall

©Tony Bartholomew

Summer, 1827. In a red barn Maria Marten awaits her lover. A year later her body is found.

It was an event 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.

The Ballad of Maria Marten is a feminist real-life crime story set in a rural English village.  It takes a story that echoes the lives of women in controlling and cohesive relationships today leaves you wondering how much has really changed.   The story is framed as a cosy, folk story style that takes the audience on an emotional journey along with this all-female cast.  It’s a story of humour and charm despite its horrific subject matter which allows the audience to quickly make bonds with these women, their varying circumstances and how they defy living up to the world’s expectations of them.

©Tony Bartholomew

The music in this ballad really adds to this piece but does not take it over, it’s a fine balance and one that this shows hits perfectly.  What does shine through in this story despite the horror of the coercive control of Maria and the sadness of her situation is the power and importance of female friendships, a story not often told on the stage.

In terms of venue, you can’t find a place much more perfect for this performance the Wilton’s Music Hall, the stripped-back, raw, yet magical feel of this venue reflects what we see on stage and makes the audience really feel transported.  It allows the power and emotion of this story to breathe into the audience.

The Ballad of Maria Marten is a tale of joy, sorrow and celebration.  Check out the dates for the rest of the tour and book tickets on their website.

Tickets were gifted to me in exchange for a review, all words and opinions are my own.