The sad tale of Betty Hoyt, who was hanged for the
murder of her lover in 1540 and buried at the cross roads near Leigh
Lodge, was written, produced and directed by Stella Abbey. It played to
large and enthusiastic audiences in the Jubilee Hall on the evenings of
Thursday and Friday,16th and 17th A
pril
2009.
A cast of twenty rehearsed for several months, and it was played, 'in
the round'. This was unusual in the Jubilee Hall, due to its rectangular
shape, but greatly aided audience participation.
The production was very well received, as have been Stella's previous productions-'Pilgrim's Progress', 'Canterbury Tales' and 'Under the Greenwood Tree' all of which were staged out of doors.
No attempt was made to reproduce authentic sixteenth century costume or to imitate Tudor speech. The aim was to represent groups of hardworking local people caught up in momentous and ultimately tragic events. The story is based on fact, and the source document can be seen by clicking HERE.
The proceeds of the two performances were donated to the St.Stephen's Appeal. Photography by Annie Dent
