In an exploration into immersive theatre practices, The Trial of Margaret Clitherow was written specifically for The Guildhall council chambers to illuminate this resounding moment in York’s history. This site-specific, immersive, interactive experience explores Margaret’s story, faith and pride.
Fueled by personal grudges, political ambitions, and alleged concern for the defendant’s wellbeing, the council chambers of York prosecute infamous Catholic Margaret Clitherow in a trial designed to humiliate her into submission to their authority. But Margaret refuses to comply; the penalty for this is death. Scrambling to regain control, the council decides to coerce her to a public fight by creating a new case targeting her family, faith, and pride, drawing on the audience to judge each new charge.
But Margaret affirms her desire to die for the Catholic cause. The men, enraged, exit to argue, plead, or say goodbye to her. Left alone with the audience, Margaret’s friend and fellow Catholic Anne Tesh muses on the repercussions of Margaret’s actions until the Lead Attendant reports that one court leader must return to write up the final sentencing; the audience selects who they will hear. Before he pens the sentence, the audience votes: will they abstain from cooperating with a corrupt system out of protest, or will they try to mitigate any further damage the sentence itself might inflict? With the final draft in hand, the court leader exits, and Anne reads out Margaret’s final letter.
“An urgent story that shows just how hard it is to fight for what you believe in – whether that be in the 1500’s or 2024.” – Audience Feedback, 17.02.24
