Mary Wollstonecraft is best known for two things first her book “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” (1792). A radical book at the time of publication in which she argues that women are not naturally inferior to men but appear to be only because they lack education. Secondly being the mother of Mary Shelley the author of “Frankenstein”.

Laura Elsworthy in the role of Mary Wollstonecraft gives a powerful performance fighting back against the suppression imposed on women during her lifetime and attempting to educate the next generation to demand changes, when you look at the world today some could argue that women are still fighting for equality at home, socially, and in the workplace.

The other five cast members play a range of people that featured in her life from her sisters Eliza Wollstonecraft (Beth Crame) and Everina Wollstonecraft (Elexi Walker) to her husband William Godwin (Kate Hampson). The entire cast and faultless and gave everything to the energetic production. Especially impressive as this was the second performance of the day.

The storyline begins with the birth of Mary where many will know that she loses her life ten days after her daughter is born, due to complications. Her life is set to become a challenge as she fights against the tide to become more than a “brood mare” chained to the home.

Maureen Lennon has blended history, music and humour to thrust Wollstonecraft back into the spotlight and show her as the pioneer for changes that frightened men and women who might not be happy in their roles but familiarity is often “safe”.

Some Background knowledge about the life of Wollstonecraft beforehand will help you understand with more clarity some of the details of her life. The timeline during the performance is extensive and would benefit from being edited and removing some of the content which didn’t add depth to the production. The story of her life is fascinating and deserves to be centre stage.

For more information about Mary and The Hyena’s and future productions at Wilton’s Music Hall please use the link below.

Three Stars.

Photo credit Tom Arran.

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Mary and the Hyenas

Mary and the Hyena’s cast will feature Laura Elsworthy (Reykjavik, Hampstead Theatre and Corrina, Corrina, Everyman Theatre & Headlong Theatre) as Mary Wollstonecraft

Kate Hampson (Romeo and Juliet, Royal Exchange Manchester) as Mary’s Mother; Elexi Walker (I Think We Are Alone, Frantic Assembly) as Joseph Johnson/ Gilbert Imlay.

Beth Crame (A Song for Ella Grey, Pilot Theatre) as Eliza Wollstonecraft/ Dr Price/ Margaret Kingsborough.

Kat Johns- Burke (A Tiger’s Tale, M6 Theatre) as Fanny Blood/ Fuseli/ Edward Wollstonecraft.

Ainy Medina (Little Women, York Theatre Royal) as Mary Shelley/ Marguerite/ Thomas Paine

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