Through immersive music and storytelling, we will explore local history from
the perspective of women and those excluded by society for being 'different'
and find out: "Who is Molly Leigh?"
Composed and Written by Francesca Le Lohe and Gareth Mattey, the opera is
creatively produced by B.ARTS and co-created with members of the local
community.
At: B.ARTS, 72 Hartshill Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 7RB
On:
Wednesday 23 rd July 7.30pm,
Thursday 24 th July 2.30pm (relaxed performance),
Thursday 24 th July 7.30pm,
Friday 25 th July 7.30pm,
Saturday 26th July 2.30pm,
Saturday 26 th July 7.30pm,
Sunday 27 th July 2.30pm.
Access: Performances are fully accessible by anyone using a wheelchair.
The audience move with the performance, if you need any further
assistance or information please contact Kath on 07544814720 or
kath.stanway@b-arts.org.uk
Who Is Molly Leigh?
“Who Is Molly Leigh?" is a new co-created community opera exploring the
legend of accused witch Molly Leigh.
Through immersive music and storytelling, we will explore local history from
the perspective of women and those excluded by society for being 'different'
to find out, "Who is Molly Leigh?"
Composed and Written by Francesca Le Lohè and Gareth Mattey, the opera is
creatively produced by B.ARTS and co-created with members of the local
community.
This is an immersive, promenade piece where audiences choose their own
route through the opera.
After a research and development weekend in May 2024, and a successful Arts
Council Project Grant, Francesca, Gareth and B.ARTS have been awarded
funding to create the full version of this interactive performance about the
local legend of accused Burslem witch Molly Leigh. As well as exploring Molly’s
story, the piece explores women's stories, stories of difference and social
exclusion.
The show features a community choir led by local choir leader Mary Keith, and
a company of local people including from local LGBTQIA+ partner
organisations, local mental health and well-being groups and other B.ARTS
affiliated groups. A community company of 50 people will assist in devising,
creating, rehearsing and performing the show.
A community choir of women, non-binary and trans people will represent
Burslem born Molly Leigh.
Audiences will choose their own route through the B.ARTS building which will
have been transformed into different spaces from Molly Leigh’s life, listening
to 4 professional performers (Evangeline Grace Cooper, Cynthia Coady, Dan Stubbs and Rosie Middleton) tell us about Molly from different viewpoints, before the finale by the Molly chorus.
For more information about the development of the project visit
What to expect from B.ARTS
You will receive a warm welcome with accessible facilities.
Our on site café Bread in Common will be serving hot and cold, alcoholic and
non-alcoholic refreshments before the show. If you have any accessibility
requirements or require any information please contact kath.stanway@b-
arts.org.uk or text/call 07544814720
Community groups, schools, colleges and universities.
If you represent a community group and would like to be involved, book a
group trip or know more please contact kath.stanway@b-arts.org.uk or
text/call 07544814720
B.ARTS is an artist led arts and educational charity set up in 1985 to provide
access to the arts for those who faced barriers to engagement. B.ARTS has
been based in North Staffordshire for all of that time and has worked all over
the world. We co-create moments of fun, surprise, delight and joy empowering
local people to find their own creativity.
B.ARTS is an Arts Council England NPO and is supported by a range of trusts,
organisations, partners and funders including The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation,
the Tudor Trust and Stoke on Trent City Council.
Funders:
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders and partners - Arts
Council England, The Baring Foundation, The Esmèe Fairbairn Foundation, The National Lottery Communiy Fund, Contemporary Music for All, Vaughan Williams Foundation, The Hinrichsen Foundation, Stoke on Trent City Council & UK Government, and Stoke Creates as part of a bigger bid about cultural activity in Stoke town.
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