The Murder of Maria Marten
or The Red Barn
From Monday 10 December 2001
To Saturday 15 December 2001
Brian J Burton
Press Releases
DEATH-DEALING FUN!
The last time The Nonentities abandoned their regular practice of producing a children's play at Christmas for a family play, the result was capacity audiences; and The Murder of Maria Marten at The Rose from 10th to 15th December looks set to repeat that feat.
The Murder of Maria Marten might seem like a chiller but it has another less scary title The Red Barn; and whatever it is called you can be sure of top class entertainment combining audience participation, a twisting story-line, plenty of songs and healthy dollops of good-heartedness. After the depressing Autumn events in the world and with cold weather ahead, this production is a real tonic for the soul. You will be transported to a world of sweet innocence, virtue under threat and scheming Victorian rogues; what could be easier - a different world, a different time, with the forces of good and the powers of evil clearly outlined in black and white? A tense, gripping, occasionally even funny, story will be played out in front of you but you also will be expected to take your part in the events by cheering the hero and hissing the villain. So come along to boo the harsh reverses of fate and applaud when things go good's way and make everything right with the world.
PLAYING ON OUR EMOTIONS
The Nonentities' Christmas offering will be the hugely entertaining Victorian melodrama The Murder of Maria Marten, also known as The Red Barn. It plays from 10th until 15th December and is sure to be a hot ticket.
Liz Cole, artistic director of The Rose and mastermind of this production, said: "The word melodrama has taken on associations of bad acting and overcooked stories, but what it really means is a drama with sensational elements designed to stir the emotions. That's what we're after: an entertainment that'll appeal to appeal to people's hearts while providing an engrossing, all-involving story-line. We're convince it'll go down a treat because besides the strong plot there're songs and opportunities for the audience to shout out their approval or disapproval. It's just fun all the way through."
Despite the creepy title, The Nonentities are sure this show will have broad
appeal. The story is simple but has lots of reversals and so is sure to appeal
to children, who should also love the chance to shout and jeer at the events
on stage. Adults will be able to relax with a fast-paced plot involving well-known
types such as the Victorian cad and the damsel in distress given a bouncy treatment
by comedy writer Brian J Burton.