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Mary and the Hyenas

Presented by Pilot Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre
Written by Maureen Lennon
Music by Billy Nomates (Tor Maries)
Directed by Esther Richardson

Six microphones, an electrifying score and a feminist icon.

Meet Mary and the Hyenas, a band who will sing you the inspiring story of Mary Wollstonecraft. A woman centuries ahead of her time: trailblazer, feminist and literary pioneer.

From her passionate advocacy for women’s rights to her tumultuous personal journey, Mary and the Hyenas captures the spirit and resilience of a woman who dared to defy the conventions of her time, and who kept going when so many wanted to bring her down. This is a witty, laugh out loud and searing tribute to the courage and determination of a woman who fought for equality and justice.

Featuring music by the acclaimed artist Billy Nomates, written by Maureen Lennon, and directed by Esther Richardson, prepare for our all female cast to roar onto the stage, singing and dancing with their chins up in defiance to the injustices of the world. Be prepared for petticoats to be lifted, boots stomped and voices raised in the determined pursuit of change.

Mary and the Hyenas was developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme.

Tour Dates

Hull Truck Theatre

Fri 07 Feb – Sat 01 Mar

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Wilton’s Music Hall

Tue 18 Mar – Sat 29 Mar
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Education Resources

Learning Resource A
explores the life and historical context of Mary Wollstonecraft. This resource may be of particular interest to those teaching: English (KS3-KS5); the French Revolution for A-level History (KS5); and liberalism for A-level Politics (KS5). For those based in East Yorkshire and London, this resource could support the teaching of local history (KS3).
Learning Resource B
will be published soon. Resource B is a pre-show resource aimed at educators who are teaching Drama and Performing Arts at GCSE and A-level. It will explore the play and the theatre production, along with the themes and characters, as well as interviews with creatives.
Learning Resource C
will be published in Spring 2025, and will support GCSE and A-level Drama and Performing Arts students to further explore the production.  These resources will include interviews with the cast and creative team, as well as filmed scene extracts to watch again.

Workshops

All workshops are bespoke and tailored to the needs of your students, and can be scheduled pre- or post-performance at your school, college or university. To arrange a workshop, please email us directly: info@pilot-theatre.com
For state schools
  • 2 sessions or a full day: £350 + VAT.
  • 1 session (up to 2 hours): £275 + VAT
For private schools
  • 2 sessions or a full day: £475 + VAT
  • 1 session (up to 2 hours): £400 + VAT

Cast and Creatives

  • Laura Elsworthy

    Mary Wollstonecraft

  • Ainy Medina

    Mary Shelley, Marguerite, Thomas Paine

  • Beth Crame

    Eliza Wollstonecraft, Dr Price, Margaret Kingsborough

  • Elexi Walker

    Joseph Johnson, Gilbert Imlay, Beth Crame

  • Kat Johns-Burke

    Fanny Blood, Fuseli, Edward Wollstonecraft

  • Kate Hampson

    Mary’s Mother

Gallery

Actor Laura Elsworthy, dressed in a period style dress contrasted with knee high boots and short orange hair, lifts her dress above her knees as she strides forward in the centre of the frame. Behind her is a large country house.

Laura Elsworthy as Mary Wollstonecraft, photography by Tom Arran.

Laura Elsworthy as Mary Wollstonecraft, photography by Tom Arran.