THE BALLAD OF LADY BESSY
by David Fletcher
A tale of a fearless and intelligent woman in politically dangerous times.
Recording produced by Jonathan Fletcher
Running time: 82 mins
Listen free to a recording of the 2017 Loft production
THE BALLAD OF LADY BESSY
a new play written and directed by David Fletcher
This new play is set in the turbulent world of the Princes in the Tower, the defeat of Richard III, and the precarious beginning of the Tudor dynasty. At the centre of the play is a fearless and intelligent young woman who quickly learns the ways of her dangerous world. Bessy is Elizabeth of York who holds a unique place in the royal history of England – she was the daughter of Edward IV, the sister of Edward V, the niece of Richard III, the wife of Henry VII, the mother of Henry VIII, and the grandmother of Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. She is usually seen as a quiet pawn in the dynastic struggles of the period, but there is one historical source that paints a very different picture.
This play shows Bessy as an outstandingly intelligent and resourceful woman who keeps her cool whilst those around her are losing their heads – metaphorically and literally! As the play progresses, she begins to shape events, despite the unspeakable challenges that hurtle towards her. But this is not a play about just one woman battling alone in a man’s world. There are two other ambitious women who feature in this story – Elizabeth Woodville (Bessy’s mother) and Margaret Beaufort (Henry VII’s mother). The conflicts between the women are as sharp as the struggles with the men in their lives. This is a play about power – between people as much as in politics – and about the way in which women could exercise power in a world where they were expected to remain silent. It is also a very human story full of excitement, tragedy, love, and reconciliation.
Join us as we step back 500 years in time into a world of danger, intrigue and an extraordinary young woman.
Cast and creative team
King Edward IV of England – Robert Lowe
Elizabeth Woodville, his queen, later the Dowager Queen – Susie May Lynch
Elizabeth of York (Bessy), their daughter, later queen to Henry VII – Elizabeth Morris
Henry Tudor, later King Henry VII – Pete Meredith
Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry Tudor – Sue Moore
Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury – Bryan Ferriman
Written and Directed by David Fletcher
Music composed and performed by Jonathan Fletcher
Family trees drawn by Kim Green
Lighting by Colin Watson and Robin Boyd
Costumes by Helen Brady
Stage management by Hannah Brown
Photographs by Richard Smith Photography
If you have enjoyed this recording, please make a donation to the Loft Theatre:
