New Play Mutton About The Yorkshire Witch In Leeds

Ever heard a story so wild you couldn't believe it was true? Picture this: it’s the early 1800s in Yorkshire, and a woman is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. We're talking poison, prophecies, and even a 'holy hen' that supposedly lays eggs predicting the end of the world. This isn't a fantasy novel; it's the real-life tale of Mary Bateman, the infamous Yorkshire Witch.

Now, her unbelievable story of crime and trickery is being brought to the stage in a brand-new play. The Leeds-based theatre company Brave Words is about to introduce audiences to Mutton, a show that digs into the unbelievable rise and fall of one of Yorkshire’s most notorious figures. This is a story you won't forget.

Who On Earth Was The Yorkshire Witch?

So, who was this Mary Bateman? In 1809, Mary was on the brink of being hanged for murder and witchcraft. Her list of crimes was long and, frankly, bizarre. It involved everything from using fake identities to sell magic charms, to whipping up a poisoned pudding. And let's not forget the poultry — she somehow convinced people her pet hen could see the future.

It’s a story that seems made up, but it’s a real piece of Yorkshire history.

The new play, Mutton, explores the complete story of the Yorkshire Witch, from her clever tricks to her ultimate downfall. It's not just about the crimes; it’s about why people fell for them.

The artistic director of Brave Words and writer of the play, Chris Singleton, explains the fascination:

“When I heard about Mary, I was immediately captivated. The audacity of a woman pretending her pet hen could predict the end of the world! In the early 1800s, people were living in poverty. They were scared by the rapid development of new technology. Mary’s witchcraft promised them a better life, offered them power and protection. People believed in her because they were desperate.”

It shows how her particular brand of magic and witchcraft was a product of its time.

From A Library Discovery To A Brand-New Play

Every great story starts somewhere, and this one began in a library. Back in 2019, Chris Singleton was the writer in residence at Leeds Central Library when he first stumbled upon the history of Mary Bateman.

He was so taken by the tale that, years later, he's bringing it to life as a full-blown theatre performance. In a brilliant twist, the very first performance of Mutton will happen in the exact same room in Leeds where Chris first discovered her story.

This journey from a historical find to a major new play shows just how compelling the rise and fall of this figure is. It’s more than just a history lesson; it's a look at the grit, desperation, and unbelievable nerve of a woman determined to get by, no matter the cost.

The team at Brave Words has taken this piece of local lore and spun it into a theatrical event that promises to be both shocking and seriously entertaining. It's a proper Yorkshire story, brought to life for modern audiences.

What To Expect From This Dark Comedy

So, what kind of show is Mutton? Forget stuffy historical dramas. This is a dark comedy, inspired by modern hits like Fleabag, The League of Gentlemen, and Brassic.

Think sharp, witty, a bit grim, and completely rooted in the North. It’s a show about magic and deception, but with a contemporary edge that makes it feel fresh and relevant. The production is a show about a woman's fight for survival in a world built for men.

The play has been created by a female-led team, with director Lucy Campbell leading the charge. She sees the story as having a powerful message for today.

“For me, it’s a story that is both contemporary and historical — a story about how women fight to thrive and survive in a patriarchal world. I’m very excited to be bringing our version of Mary’s story to audiences across Leeds and Yorkshire.”

It’s clear this isn't just a simple retelling; it’s a bold new interpretation of the Yorkshire Witch legend, crafted for a new generation of theatre-goers.

Performance Dates And Locations

Ready to see the story of the Yorkshire Witch for yourself? The new play Mutton kicks off in Leeds on November 13th, with several dates in the city before heading out on tour.

• Leeds Central Library, Thursday 13th November, 6pm
• West Park United Reform Church, Harrogate, Friday 14th November & Saturday 15th November 7.30pm
• The Old Fire Station, Gipton, Leeds, Sunday 16th November 2.30pm
• HOPS, Hawksworth Village Hall, Leeds, Wednesday 19th November 2pm
• Interplay, Armley, Leeds, Friday 21st November, 7.30pm
• Stainbeck United Reform Church, Meanwood, Leeds, Saturday 22nd November 7.30pm
• Chapel FM, Seacroft, Leeds, Wednesday 26th November, 7.30pm
• St John’s Parish Hall, Barnsley, Friday 28th November, 7pm
• Rowland Road Working Men’s Club, Leeds, Saturday 29th November, 2.30pm

This performance is a major new production from the theatre company Brave Words, and it's set to be one of the must-see shows of the season.

Given the wild subject matter and the creative team behind it, this is a performance you’ll be talking about long after the curtain falls. The rise and fall of Mary Bateman is a story that has to be seen to be believed.

Making Theatre Accessible For All Audiences

One of the best things about the work Brave Words does is its commitment to making theatre available to everyone.

In line with this, most performances of Mutton will be ‘pay-what-you-can’, helping remove the price barrier that can stop people from enjoying a great night out at the theatre. It's a fantastic way to ensure that this incredible local story can be seen by as many people as possible.

The company has also focused on accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. Every performance will be captioned using a tool called The Difference Engine, which lets people read the dialogue on their phones.

What's more, the first show at Leeds Central Library will be BSL interpreted.

The show has an age guidance of 12+, making it suitable for older kids and teens as well as adults.

The whole project is supported by Arts Council England, the National Lottery, and Leeds City Council.