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

Performances of the fully realised opera will be in July 2025.

For more details, please visit B arts' website here: https://www.b-arts.org.uk/who-is-molly-leigh