New community opera – Who is Molly Leigh – to take place in Stoke Town
A new community opera, exploring the legend of accused Burslem witch Molly Leigh is to take place in Stoke Town.
Through immersive music and storytelling, there will be an exploration of local history from the perspective of women and those excluded by society for being seen as 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.
(Image supplied by B.Arts. Credit: Natalie Willatt)
It is an immersive, promenade piece where audiences choose their own route through the opera.
The opera is the result following a research and development weekend, which took place 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 four professional performers (Evangeline Grace Cooper, Cynthia Coady, Dan Stubbs and Rosie Middleton) who will share something about Molly from different viewpoints, before the finale by the Molly chorus.
“Who is Molly Leigh?” – Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 27 July – Tickets HERE
For more information visit https://www.b-arts.org.uk/who-is-molly-leigh
Also, please contact ka**********@********rg.uk or text/call 07544814720
(B.Arts 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.)
