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 April 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 here.
The proceeds of the two performances were donated to the St.Stephen's Appeal. Photography by Annie Dent
Diana Kershaw, Sarah Darby, Caroline Sweetland, Penny West, Anne Rose and Abby Vaux
1. Jemima Sweetland, 2. Bethany Fowler, 3. Hayley Vaux, 4. Abby Vaux, 5. Ruby Sweetland, 6. Caroline Sweetland, 7. Penny West, 8. Sarah Darby, 9. Carl Earl, 10. Liz Hobbs, 11. Amanda Tompkins, 12. Will Jones, 13. Phil Kershaw, 14. Diana Kershaw, 15. Ian Peacock, 16. Brian Turner, 17. Robert Shearer, 18. Tom Hamil, 19. Phil Robinson, 20. Peter Saunders
Help & Support
| Janice Saunders & Andy Olver | Musical Training |
| John Houston | Making Cauldron & Inn Sign |
| Annie Dent | Publicity photographs |
| Amanda Tompkins | Witty Broadsheet |
| Jan Sullivan | Poster design |
| Anne Rose | Work with props and costumes |
| Richard Rose & John Houston | Seating Arrangements |
| Margaret Long, Elizabeth Turner & Janet Smart | Refreshments and front-of-house |
