Darlint Peidi

By Rosemary Hill

The story of Edith Thompson who was executed in 1923 alongside her young lover, Frederick Bywaters for the murder of her husband, Percy.  Edith Thompson apparently knew nothing though about the plan to attack her husband. Bywaters always maintained he acted alone and only planned to “punish” Percy Thompson for the mistreatment of his wife. His death was an accident. But Edith was older than her lover and an adulterer. She was thus seen as an immoral seducer leading the young man astray. Was she really executed for adultery rather than murder? Was she a victim of the social climate of the time? Might she have been treated differently forty years on in the more liberal “swinging” 1960s?

Part of our “Hidden Stories” series

Just to say how amazing the 4 pieces last night were. Brilliantly directed in their minimal style it brought us in at the right times and gave space to the character when needed.

I was especially impressed with Lisa and her story (knowing her for many years I was shocked and this could truly transpose to the small screen as a 3 part drama!) and also Carly’s piece as this strong confident woman who just crumbled by the end.

Congratulations on keeping live theatre going in MK. And continuing with relevant, interesting, up to date and thought provoking work.

Each playlet had its own specialness.

Last night I attended the performance of Hidden Stories at MK Gallery with friends. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I came away learning a lot from all the various short plays. However, the one that really got me was the first one ‘The Saltiness of Time’ as up until recently I was one of those women who was juggling care for my father, professional life plus three teenagers, so it really hit home.

The best thing I can say is that when I got home described all four stories to my teenage daughter, she was interested in all but especially ‘ Peidi’ took her interest and she said she wanted to come to the next one.

Thank you for doing this.

Having seen Lisa’s post, sounds like you did a great job. Well done! I think you bring something truly unique and valuable to the MK theatre scene.

Thank you for a thought provoking, and at times moving, evening. Xx

Four well written, acted and thought provoking plays. Looking forward to Hidden Stories 2.

Thanks Rosemary and all the wonderful actors. What a great set of plays. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wonder if filmed versions would be possible.

Very well written scripts, interwoven with common themes that linger continuously over time. Each strong performance resonated in different ways. It held my attention, was quite moving to watch at times and thought provoking. It certainly felt like a platform for even more to come from your theatre. It worked really well.

Thanks for a stimulating evening focusing on the hidden stories of women and issues of expectations, voice, and power. They are in our past, our present, but should not be our future. Great to be back in live theatre which challenges us.

Darlint Peidi

Darlint Peidi Photos by Simon Raynor
Darlint Peidi Photos by Simon Raynor
Darlint Peidi Photos by Simon Raynor
Darlint Peidi Photos by Simon Raynor
Darlint Peidi Photos by Simon Raynor
Darlint Peidi Photos by Simon Raynor
Darlint Peidi Photos by Simon Raynor
Darlint Peidi Photos by Simon Raynor