Who Is Molly Leigh?
Who Is Molly Leigh?
Who Is Molly Leigh is a brand new musical between B arts and musician Francesca Le Lohe and writer Gareth Mattey, that will be tested by participants across the weekend of 10/11/12 May 2024 at B arts in Stoke.
After a successful Arts Council Project Grant, Francesca, Gareth and B arts have been awarded funding to test out creating an interactive musical about the local legend of accused Burslem witch Molly Leigh. As well as exploring Molly’s story, the project will explore women's stories, stories of difference and social exclusion.
Across the weekend women, non-binary, trans people and those from the LGBTQ+ community are invited to join a community choir led by local choir leader Mary Keith, and everyone is welcome to take part in story sharing, creative writing and poetry workshops (with British writer and activist Jasmine Gardosi), and be involved in acting in, and creating the set for the test show at the end of the weekend at B arts with a team of local creatives.
Through music & storytelling, in the workshops – which will take place at B arts base, 72 Hartshill Road, Stoke, ST4 7RB - we will explore local history from the perspective of women and those excluded by society for being ‘different’. Over 3 days, participants recruited from community groups affiliated with B arts and LQBTQ+ partner organisations will discuss the project’s themes in facilitated sessions.
Songs and scenes created by Francesca & Gareth will be workshopped and tested out by local actors and the choir, and then performed to an invited audience on the Sunday afternoon at 4pm. 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, listening to 3 local performers (Evangeline Grace Cooper, Cynthia Coady and Dan Stubbs) tell us about Molly from different viewpoints, before being surrounded by the Molly chorus.
What to expect from the workshops
Over 3 days, Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May 2024, we will discuss the project’s themes, take part in storytelling and writing workshops, learn songs & script created by composer Francesca & writer Gareth, which will then performed to an invited ‘test’ audience at the end of the weekend.
A community choir of women, non-binary and trans people will form a choir to represent Molly Leigh. We welcome everyone to be part of workshops, the acting group and to be part of the set design & build team.
On Friday 10th May Afternoon Tea with Molly Leigh will take place 4-8pm. We will arrive from 4pm, and at 4.30pm we will welcome everyone, introduce the project and what will happen over the weekend. We will have a singing session with choir leader Mary Keith (Keele Women’s Community Choir) and participants can sign up for acting or set designing/building.
On Saturday 11th May, we will arrive at 10am, at 10.30am there will be a singing session with Mary Keith. At 11.30 there will be a storytelling & performance workshop with Jasmine Gardosi. After lunch there will be singing and acting rehearsals as well as opportunity to help with set designing and building, the day will end at 5pm.
On Sunday 12th May we will arrive at 10am, and we will continue to rehearse and take part in singing and acting sessions. There will be a showcase at 4pm for an invited test audience followed by feedback and reflection, the day will end at approximately 6pm.
Get involved ahead of time!
Important information
Where
B arts, 64-72, Hartshill Road, ST47RB.
Entrance via the Bread in Common Café.
When
Friday 10th May 4.30pm-8pm
Saturday 11th May 10-5pm
Sunday 11th May 10-6pm
Getting to us:
The number 25 bus stops outside our building
Car Parking
There is no car park at B arts.
Vale St Car Park, ST4 7RL
Aquinas St Car Park, ST4 1NQ
Please do not park over the road at St Andrews Square this is for residents only. Please respect our neighbours.
Please keep our forecourt free for loading and unloading. We have limited accessible spaces please contact Kath Stanway to reserve - kath.stanway@b-arts.org.uk // 07544814720
Food and Drink
Afternoon Tea and Refreshments are provided on Friday and Refreshments and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday. If you are planning on attending and have specific dietary requirements please contact Kath Stanway - kath.stanway@b-arts.org.uk // 07544814720
Access:
The workshops are suitable for those aged 16+
The singing/choir for this project is suitable for women, non-binary and trans people.
Workshops and performances are fully accessible by anyone using a wheelchair.
The audience are standing throughout, however if you need any further assistance or information please contact Kath on 07544814720 or
All workshops are free. Refreshments and lunch are provided. We can help participants with travel expenses.
Stained Glass Window Paper Cut Workshop, Monday 29th April 6-8pm
Join B arts Studio Artist Dan Higgs at B arts maker space at our base 72 Hartshill Road, Stoke, ST4 7RB.
The workshop will run from 6-8pm and participants will learn tips around designing and creating papercuts through a practicial workshop, with opportunities to ask advice on how to approach different designs from an experienced papercut maker and artist.
Each participant will make a papercut stained glass window that will be feature in B arts upcoming new show about Molly Leigh in May!
We will be running regular artist led B arts Studio workshops. To find out more please get in touch info@b-arts.org.uk
Book your FREE place here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/881241907267?aff=oddtdtcreator