Who is Molly Leigh?

A community opera on a local legend

Who is Molly Leigh? is a community opera exploring the story of an 18th Century Staffordshire woman accused of witchcraft from the perspectives of those who were/are 'othered' by society, specifically women, LGBTQIA+ people, Disabled people & those with mental health conditions. Told through immersive + interactive storytelling, original music and humour, audiences meet an array of characters and must piece together their own understanding of Molly's story.

It’s great that this story – a story all stokies own – is being interpreted by a community cast." R&D participant.

Composer/co-director Francesca Le Lohé and librettist/co-director Gareth Mattey began developing the opera in collaboration with participatory arts organisation, B arts in May 2024. Professional artists, emerging creatives & community members of Stoke-on-Trent joined to form a ‘company’ for 3 days of Research & Development, where we co-created scenes & set, and gave a test performance to an invited audience.

The response from participants, collaborating creatives and the test audience was overwhelmingly positive, giving us the fuel to develop the project further into a 1 hour immersive opera with a sold-out 5 day run in July 2025.

“Magic, creative, breath-taking.” Audience response

Feedback from participants and our 400-strong audience alike was glowing:

“I loved the collaborative feel of the project, the "can-do" attitude of all involved, the inclusiveness, & the opportunity to work alongside & be inspired by people with such a wide range of life experiences” (participant in Who is Molly Leigh?)

“Being part of an immersive show in this format has really opened my mind to what’s possible to do with local community-based theatre” (creative practitioner)

“Amazing show loved the musical elements and really loved the puppetry. It all worked really well together and felt cohesive and seamless. Thought provoking” (audience response)

Press on BBC
Review in the babababoon

4 people dressed like schoolchildren standing in a line, chatting

A TV interview between 2 people sat together on an orange stage with a spotty backdrop

A reverend stands at the pulpit in front of an audience sat in pews

A young blond woman sits at a table in front of the oven looking thoughtful

2 blackbird puppets sat on the edge of a giant nest play with an oversized silver chain

A man and a woman standing, addressing the seated audience in a pub

A woman stands in front of a group of women + gender-diverse people, conducting them as they sing

A group of around 50 people sat together

A poster with the title of the show over images of a blackbird, milk churn and church

Visit co-producer B.arts' website for more photos from the workshop & performances. Specials thanks to our funders and partners - Arts Council England, The Baring Foundation, The Esmèe Fairbairn Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, Contemporary Music for All, Vaughan Williams Foundation, The Hinrichsen Foundation, Stoke on Trent City Council & UK Government, and Stoke Creates as part of a bigger bid about cultural activity in Stoke town.