The Welkin
One life in the hands of 12 women.
Rural Suffolk, 1759. As the country waits for Halley’s comet, Sally Poppy is sentenced to hang for a heinous murder.
When she claims to be pregnant, a jury of 12 matrons are taken from their housework to decide whether she’s telling the truth, or simply trying to escape the noose.
With only midwife Lizzy Luke prepared to defend the girl, and a mob baying for blood outside, the matrons wrestle with their new authority, and the devil in their midst.
Find a cinema near you for the National Theatre Live broadcast of The Welkin on 21 May
Lucy Kirkwood (Mosquitoes, Chimerica) returns to the National Theatre with her new play, directed by James Macdonald.
Maxine Peake (Black Mirror, Funny Cow) plays Lizzy, and Ria Zmitrowicz (The Doctor), Sally.
Please note: This production contains adult themes and violence that some people may find distressing. If you require further information, contact details are provided in our Help centre.
This play is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Plays Award
Production supported by the Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater
Talks and events
Actor Maxine Peake on The Welkin Wed 12 Feb, 3pm, £9/£6
How British Justice is Failing Women with Helena Kennedy Wed 12 Feb, 5.45pm, £9/£6
Exploring the Show: The Welkin Mon 24 Feb, 10.30am – 4pm, £60/£40/£15
Women in Georgian Society Wed 26 Feb, 6pm, £9/£6
Making Dramatic Violence Thu 27 Feb, 5.30pm, £9/£6
Writer Lucy Kirkwood and Director James Macdonald Thu 26 March, 6pm, £9/£6
Unfortunate Wretches: Women and the Gallows in the Georgian Era Fri 1 May, 6pm, £9/£6
