MARY BLANDY'S GALLOWS TREE Comes to Brighton Fringe
A gripping one-woman show brings to life the desperate true love story that ends in Oxford Prison on 6 April 1752. From a condemned cell Mary trusts Captain Cranstoun will save her. Her Father opposes their marriage and dies of poisoning. Mary is charged with his murder.
Oxford prison is on holy ground owned by Christ Church. With an hour to go before the gallows, Mary Blandy fights for her life; as a devout protestant she sees God as her right.
Mary does not know what the powder is that her lover gives her to stir into her father's porridge. In a panic she burns the instructions he sent her. Mary's trial lasts 13 hours, and no appeal is granted.
Cranstoun never faces justice. The Newgate Calendar describes him as a 'profligate wretch'.
Today over 50 women are on death row. More are punished for self-defence against a controlling lover.
Mary's Prison cell is now a luxury hotel room. During renovation a guard dog had frenzied fits at the spot where her body dropped.
This show is first performed at Oxford Playhouse and Edinburgh Fringe. Written and performed by Lita Doolan, this is the second show she brings to Brighton Fringe.
Doolan won writing awards from Oxford Playhouse and Oxford Theatre Company. Her last play is 'Pick of Camden Fringe' (Camden New Journal) 'unnerving quality' **** (Breaking The Fourth Wall).
Venue: The Warren, Victoria Gardens, Brighton BN1 1UB
Dates and Time: May 10-12 12pm £10 (£8 Students) ENDS
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