Six microphones, one electrifying musical score: Meet Mary and the Hyenas world premiere at Hull Truck Theatre

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Hull Truck Theatre are excited to begin their 2025 season with home produced work and world premiere of Mary and the Hyenas (Friday, February 7-Saturday, March 1).

This electrifying new musical drama delves deep into the life of trailblazing writer, philosopher and feminist icon, Mary Wollstonecraft. Be taken back in time and experience the astonishing life of a trail blazer and literary pioneer. A woman centuries ahead of her time: Raised in Beverley and known across the world! 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.

A show jam packed with music and words of defiance and empowerment, this exciting new production is co-produced with Pilot Theatre and written by critically acclaimed Hull playwright, Maureen Lennon (Guts! The Musical, Baby He Loves You). Directed by Esther Richardson and with original music by Billy Nomates (Tor Maries), audiences are invited to join a fantastic female ensemble cast on a whirlwind journey through history in this witty, laugh out loud and searing tribute to the courage and determination of a woman who dared to take a stand.

Who was Mary Wollstonecraft?

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was a radical writer and philosopher, known for her early feminist views and advocacy for equality between men and women. Born in London, but raised in Beverley, she challenged convention by campaigning for the education of girls so that they could contribute more fully to society, arguing that women were not inferior to men, but that they were limited by their lack of education and opportunities.

In early adulthood, she took on traditional roles at the time as a lady’s companion, governess and teacher, before establishing herself as a writer. She worked as a writer, reviewer and translator for the radical publisher Joseph Johnson in London, further challenging convention by being financially self-sufficient with a career. She believed in the philosophy of classical liberalism and supported the French Revolution, travelling to France during this time and writing about it. She wrote fiction, conduct guides, political pieces and children’s stories, but is most known today for her work A Vindication of the Rights of Woman published in 1792.

In later life she married fellow radical and early anarchist William Godwin and was the mother of Mary Shelley, who went on to become the author of Frankenstein.

Rehearsals

The cast

The cast will be made up of six actors, including Laura Elsworthy will play the title role of Mary Wollstonecraft. Most recently appearing as ‘Lizzie’ in REYKJAVIC at the Hampstead Theatre and known to local audiences for playing ‘Juliet’ in Romeo & Juliet at Hull Truck Theatre (2021). Kate Hampson will play Mary’s mother and William Godwin. She is known to local audiences for playing the role of Mrs Perks in the 2021 Christmas production, The Railway Children. Playing Mary’s Daughter, Mary Shelley will be Ainy Medina. Elexi Walker will take on the roles of Joseph Johnson and Gilbert Imlay. Beth Crame will be performing as Eliza Wollstonecraft, Dr Price and Margaret Kingsborough, and Kat Johns-Burke will perform as Fanny Blood, Fuseli and Edward Wollstonecraft.

The music

For those eager to hear a sample of the music before the show hits the stage, the eagerly anticipated album by English musician and singer/songwriter Billy Nomates (Tor Maries) will hit streaming services from Friday, January 17. With songs including “How’d you grow a girl” and “Find your tribe” this is soundtrack will give SIX The Musical and Aurora from Daisy Jones and the Six a run for its money!

Mary and the Hyenas will have its world premiere at Hull Truck Theatre in February before transferring to London’s Wilton’s Musical Hall in March. Don’t miss this breathtaking theatrical experience where you’ll be belting out the anthems all the way home. Mary and the Hyenas will leave audiences laughing and empowered, and ready to change the world!

• Tickets are available via www.hulltruck.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01482 323638. Recommended age guidance 13+. A number of access and school’s performances are also available.