Cast revealed for brand new production: Mary and the Hyenas - A world première co-production presented by Hull Truck Theatre and Pilot Theatre

Written by Hull playwright Maureen Lennon (Guts! The Musical, Hull Truck Theatre and Baby, He Loves You, Middle Child Theatre) and featuring original music and songs by the acclaimed singer-songwriter Billy Nomates (Tor Maries), Mary and the Hyenas will have its world première at Hull Truck Theatre in February before transferring to London’s Wilton’s Musical Hall in March.

Audiences are invited to journey through the life of a true trailblazer for women’s rights and get up close and personal with Mary Wollstonecraft and her closest allies. The ensemble cast of six performers will step up to the mic with words and songs of defiance and empowerment. This production is a witty, laugh out loud and searing tribute to the courage and determination of Mary’s lifelong fight for equality and justice. A plight which was continued by her own trailblazing daughter, esteemed gothic novelist Mary Shelley.

Laura Elsworthy will play the role of Mary Wollstonecraft. Most recently appearing as ‘Lizzie’ in REYKJAVIC at the Hampstead Theatre and known to local audiences of Hull for playing ‘Juliet’ in Romeo and Juliet at Hull Truck Theatre. Other recent credits include: Macbeth (ETT), Corrina (Headlong/Liverpool Everyman), As You Like It (RSC), The Hypocrite and The Last Testament of Lillian Bilocca (Hull Truck Theatre), The Accrington Pals and The Skriker (Manchester Royal Exchange), and Our Town (Almeida Theatre).

Kate Hampson will play Mary’s mother. Known to local audiences for playing the role of Mrs Perks in the 2021 Christmas production, The Railway Children, Kate is thrilled to be back at Hull Truck Theatre. Other credits include: Romeo & Juliet (Manchester Royal Exchange), The Coppergate Woman (York Theatre Royal), Fresh Ink (Middle Child), Tapestry (Northern Broadsides), Mary Barton (Alnwick Playhouse & tour), Trouble (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Gaudette (Obra Theatre Company), Not Yours Mine (Oldham Coliseum) and Vignettes (Hope Mill Theatre).

Playing Mary’s Daughter, Mary Shelley will be Ainy Medina. Theatre credits include: Little Women (York Theatre Royal), Cinderella (Chipping Norton Theatre) and Rent (Phoenix Arts Club).

Elexi Walker has will take on the roles of Joseph Johnson and Gilbert Imlay. Theatre credits include: Robin Hood (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); A Christmas Carol (The Rose Theatre); I Think We Are Alone (Frantic Assembly); She Ventures and He Wins (Young Vic); Macbeth; A Midsummer Night's Dream (Shakespeare's Rose), Road (Leeds Playhouse); A Pacifists Guide to the War on Cancer (Bryony Kimmings/Complicité); Queen of Chapeltown; Romeo and Juliet (West Yorkshire Playhouse); Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles (York Theatre Royal) and many more. 

Beth Crame will be performing as Wliza Wollstonecraft, Dr Price and Margaret Kingsborough. Theatre credits include: Carousel: A Concert (Cadogan Hall, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Northern Stage), Lasagna Live Tour (Open Clasp), Alice in Wonderland (Gala Durham), I Care! (Open Clasp), A Song for Ella Grey (Pilot Theatre), and Beauty and The Beast (Durham Gala).

Kat Johns-Burke will perform as both Joseph Johnson and Gilbert Imlay. Theatre credits include: Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Ladyfriends, Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, The Bitesize Breakfast Show, and Sleepover.  

Maureen Lennon, Playwright, said: 

“I couldn't be more excited for Mary and the Hyenas to be finally shared with the world. I've been obsessed with Mary's story ever since I was a teenager and getting to share her voice with the young women of today feels like such a privilege. She's an icon who blazed ahead of her time, and she's got so much to say to us, now. Stuff about bravery and passion and how you muster the courage to change the world. It feels like we all need some of that fire right now.”

The story of the “mother of feminism” will be shared with audiences through both words and music through an electrifying musical score by the hugely talented singer-songwriter, Billy Nomates.

Billy Nomates (Tor Maries), Songwriter, said:

“I didn't know about Mary Wollstonecraft. It seems history rarely embraces pioneering women. Her story is a compelling one. A true trailblazer, but a human being, ahead of her 1800s environment. I wanted to bring the music into the last few decades, A contemporary place, not wholly defined by now. An attitude and feeling that resonates across time and ages.”

Mary and the Hyenas promises to be a breathtaking theatrical experience, under the direction of Pilot Theatre’s Artistic Director, Esther Richardson.

Esther Richardson, Director, said:

“I’ve long been curious about how to give Mary Wollstonecraft a fitting tribute in a theatre production, to widen awareness of her groundbreaking life and work among young audiences. When Maureen Lennon brought the idea for this play to Pilot and Hull Truck Theatre, a vision for how to create this show was galvanised. We are delighted to be working with Maureen as well as Tor Maries, an extraordinary and courageous song writer, and a supremely talented cast and creative team on this thrilling brand-new production.”

Mark Babych, Artistic Director and Joint CEO at Hull Truck Theatre, said:

"As a theatre we are passionate about growing people and ideas. I’m thrilled that what started as a research project in 2018 into the specific challenges facing young women around gender equality and pathways to growth, has led to this exciting collaboration with these amazing artists. The show promises to be a bold, brave and fearless production that brings Mary’s story right into our lives today. I couldn’t be prouder that this work’s heart and soul has been born in Hull and will receive its world premiere right in here at Hull Truck Theatre. I can’t wait to see these important voices rise and soar on our stage."

Tickets for Mary and the Hyenas are available now and can be purchased online www.hulltruck.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01482 323638.  Recommended age guidance: 13+. A number of access and schools performances are also available.