A true crime retelling will be coming to Malvern later this month as part of its 2022 spring tour. 

The feminist murder mystery, The Ballad of Maria Marten, is based on a true story, focusing on the victim's life rather than her tragic death. 

In light of the increase in domestic violence throughout the pandemic, 

A spokeswoman from the show's creative team said: "This timely production highlights the dangers lurking behind closed doors, as the country emerges from the pandemic with domestic abuse rates higher than ever before."

The play is set in summer 1827 where Maria Marten waits for her lover in a red barn.

One year later, her body is found underneath the flooring in a grain sack, and the manhunt begins. 

The writer, Beth Fintoff, said: "Eleven women died at the hands of their partners during the first three weeks of lockdown. It’s never been more important for us to consider and celebrate the lives of those that society does not manage to protect.

"This is an old story, about the infamous murder of a woman, but now the story is told from her point of view.

"I wanted to focus on who Maria was: who she loved, what she laughed about, and what she does when she's having fun.

"I didn’t want her to be a victim anymore, so there is no violence onstage."

Hal Chambers, the play's director, added: "At the beginning of The Ballad of Maria Marten writer Beth Flintoff's stage direction tells us that Maria's best friends ‘unmurder’ her and that is exactly what we are trying to do with this production.

"Nearly 200 years on, we hope to let Maria and her friends finally have a voice - and what emerges, especially post-lockdown, is a play for our times.

"Told in vivid movement, searing music and a swirl of passion, The Ballad of Maria Marten stars a dazzling all-female ensemble." 

The performance will be on stage at Malvern on February 22 and 23.