The Ballad of Maria Marten

This was another first for me and what a play! It is the true account of the life and death of Maria Marten in 1827 and the very sad depiction of how life was for women, in the eyes of men and the upper classes, almost two hundred years ago. And the even sadder fact is that the circumstances surrounding Maria and her friend’s lives is still happening in 2025. It really was quite shocking to see how coercion, control and gaslighting, all terms we hear or read about now, were being imposed in 1827 when women had little or no control of their existence. Maria tried, but was ultimately beaten, literally…

The clever set had been made off site and reconstructed on the stage within an hour I’m told. Craig Watson and team made a realistic barn interior from pallets which were extremely effective. The reference to the red glow in the barn was created using drapes suspended from the ceiling shading the red par cans to give the warm glow, making it extremely atmospheric. The unobtrusive movements of the five female characters who were on stage for almost the entire play was subtlety intertwined with the performance and the fluidity and adeptness of their actions went almost unnoticed. Nice direction!

The two male characters of the play had smaller roles but nevertheless impacted the storyline – Michael Street as Thomas Corder a simple farm labourer who was just a bully who took what he wanted and didn’t share any of the consequences. Michael portrayed the character well and was extremely unlikeable. Aqueal Blandford was the aristocratic Peter Mathews, whose lack of backbone but good intentions, made Maria’s life better for a while. Aqueal looked the part and carried the role well.

Through Lady Cooke, the upper echelons of society were introduced to the villagers by way of her monthly visits to the poor. Her interest in Maria starts an unlikely relationship which quickly ends when Maria and Peter become involved. Deb West was an indomitable Lady Cooke and made her presence impactful during her brief appearances.

Lisa Greaves had two roles in this play – The narrator who tells her story with sadness, retrospective insights, and humour. Initially the use of the script seemed unnecessary, however it soon became an excellent prop to make the distinction between Maria the person and Maria the storyteller. Maria (the character) was feisty, determined, strong, undaunted, and very clever. All of these qualities were portrayed by the very able Lisa. The life she lived within the span of the two hours was incredible and started with her as a 10-year-old motherless child determined to survive and support her family, culminating with her untimely death in the most savage way at the hands of an unseen character who imposes the hateful traits of the coercive, manipulative, gaslighting man who breaks Maria’s spirit and mind. The scene when Maria cannot accept his duplicity was heartbreaking and not a little uncomfortable. Very well-done Lisa.

The four female friends and fellow members of the Hazard Club (formed as children) proved, in varying degrees of love and sometimes misguided loyalty, how deeply they cared for Maria. Vannessa Short (Lucy Baalham), Lisa Marshall (Phoebe Stowe) Sally Watson (Sarah Stowe) and Claire Broadbent (Theresa Havers) were perfect in their roles, and each had an individuality that completed the blend of good and faithful friends to each other. The comedy, and there was lot of it, came mostly from the foursome. Their loose morals, childish mannerisms and bawdy comments were brilliantly revealed by each of them. The strength of character was always there, and the cheeky one-liners and facial expressions (mostly from Sally) had us all laughing out loud, but the underlying feeling of love and loss was in abundance. Four strong actors, who were all brilliant.

Ann Marten, Maria’s stepmother, was played by Susan Melvin and was probably my favourite character. Susan’s portrayal of the quiet, kind, sensitive, intuitive, and non-judgemental women was so real, that I could feel her anguish and pain. Such a contrast to the role of Maria and yet an ideal match to create a perfect partnership. Susan, you were amazing.

The background soundtrack beautifully enriched the atmosphere, and though brief, the choreography was strikingly effective.

Lou Hickey MBE Regional Representative District 01

As the Regional Councillor it was my pleasure to return to The Market Theatre, albeit a different performance to the Regional Represenative. The welcome was as always warm; this was an experience shared with members of the audience.

The stage is extremely wide. I was pleased to see open front tabs; this allowed me and the audience to familiarise ourselves with the set. To say this was impressive is an understatement as I was totally immersed into the barn. Props we were intended to see from the start were noted. Other props were even set during the performance or there from the start ready for use or revealing. The burning down of the barn using lighting, drapes and smoke was effective.

The acting from the whole company, whether playing the characters as children or adults was impressive, with no weak links. I found the experience to be intense while at other times light with humour which was skilfully portrayed, as rightly detailed in the show report above prepared by the Regional Representative.

From me a massive thank you for the invite to this very well-done piece of drama and I look forward to hearing about your forthcoming plans.

Andy Brown, Regional Councillor, NODA West Midlands

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