Winsham cartoon village map showing the church, primary school, jubilee hall and community shop with fields, cows and sheep. Created by Bethany Fowler as the header banner for the Winsham Web Museum.
Home Plays & Pantomimes Betty Hoyt’s Ghost – 2009

Betty Hoyt’s Ghost – 2009

Orginally published Apr 2009
Last updated Jul 2021

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.

Written, produced and directed by Stella Abbey

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

Cast of Betty Hoyt's Ghost
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Phillip Kershaw and Liz Hobbs

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Brian Turner and Carl Earl

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Carl Earl, Brian Turner and Robert Shearer

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Diana Kershaw

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Penny West

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Liz Hobbs and Ian Peacock

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Will Jones and Amanda Tompkins

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Anne Rose

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Diana Kershaw, Sarah Darby, Caroline Sweetland, Penny West, Anne Rose and Abby Vaux

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Abby Vaux

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Caroline Sweetland

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Peter Saunders

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Bethany Fowler and Jemima Sweetland

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Robert Shearer and Ruby Sweetland

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Liz Hobbs

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Peter Saunders and Phil Robinson

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Bethany Fowler, Ian Peacock, Liz Hobbs and Carl Earl

Cast of Betty Hoyt's Ghost
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Penny West and Liz Hobbs

Cast of Betty Hoyt's Ghost
Photo courtesy of Annie Dent

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 OlverMusical Training
John HoustonMaking Cauldron & Inn Sign
Annie DentPublicity photographs
Amanda TompkinsWitty Broadsheet
Jan SullivanPoster design
Anne RoseWork with props and costumes
Richard Rose & John HoustonSeating Arrangements
Margaret Long, Elizabeth Turner
& Janet Smart
Refreshments and front-of-house