The Yorkshire Witch
is Coming!

It all started when I lied to me husband, flogged his furniture, and me pet hen started prophesying the end of the world… no wait – actually – it were the mutton that did it…

1809. Mary Bateman is about to be hung for witchcraft and murder. Only one of those things is illegal. Her career of crime has included fake identities, magic charms, poisoned pudding, a holy hen, drunk watchmen, a fire at the mill and – of course – a freshly-shaved leg of MUTTON.

MUTTON is our exciting new three-part theatre and performance project telling the story of Mary Bateman – Leeds’ most famous witch and conwoman. We’ll be bringing outdoor performances to local festivals, running workshops in the community and performing Brave Words’ new play MUTTON: a dark comedy exploring the life and times of the Yorkshire Witch. How the desperation of ordinary folk in the early 1800s is paralleled today. The dangers we face by trying to grasp a little more control over our lives. And why we should take patriarchal history and shove it firmly up a chicken’s arse.

“the storytelling feels fresh, and while the story is deeply personal, the themes are universal…a powerful show”

– The Wee Review on How to Be a Better Human