A musical drama about Mary Wollstonecraft
Six microphones, an electrifying score and a feminist icon.
Mary and the Hyenas tells the story of the life of the iconic 18th century British writer, philosopher and advocate of women’s rights Mary Wollstonecraft.
Written by Maureen Lennon and featuring original music and Lyrics by the acclaimed singer-songwriter Billy Nomates (aka Tor Maries) and Maureen Lennon, Mary and the Hyenas will have its London première at Wilton’s Musical Hall.
Mary and the Hyenas will sing you the inspiring story of a woman centuries ahead of her time: trailblazer, feminist and literary pioneer.
From her passionate advocacy for women’s rights to her tumultuous personal journey, Mary and the Hyenas captures the spirit and resilience of a woman who dared to defy the conventions of her time, and who kept going when so many wanted to bring her down. This is a witty, laugh out loud and searing tribute to the courage and determination of a woman who fought for equality and justice.


Directed by Esther Richardson, prepare for an all-female cast to roar onto the stage, singing and dancing with their chins up in defiance to the injustices of the world. Be prepared for petticoats to be lifted, boots stomped, and voices raised in the determined pursuit of change.
Widely regarded as the mother of feminism, Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) was a moral and political philosopher whose analysis of the condition of women in modern society retains much of its original radicalism. She worked as a schoolteacher, a governess and as a translator for a London publisher. Her first published book Thoughts on the Education of Daughters (1787) foreshadowed her later work on the place of women in society, titled A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), which as its core is a plea for equality in the education of men and women. The Vindication is widely regarded as the founding document of modern feminism. In 1797 she married the philosopher, William Godwin. She died days after the birth of their daughter, the novelist Mary Shelley.
The cast will feature Laura Elsworthy as Mary Wollstonecraft; Kate Hampson as Mary’s Mother; Elexi Walker as Joseph Johnson/ Gilbert Imlay; Beth Crame as Eliza Wollstonecraft/ Dr Price/ Margaret Kingsborough; Kat Johns- Burke as Fanny Blood/ Fuseli/ Edward Wollstonecraft and Ainy Medina as Mary Shelley/ Marguerite/ Thomas Paine.
Writer Maureen Lennon said:
“I couldn’t be more excited for Mary and the Hyenas to be finally shared with the world. I’ve been obsessed with Mary’s story ever since I was a teenager, and getting to share her voice with the young women of today feels like such a privilege. She’s an icon who blazed ahead of her time, and she’s got so much to say to us, now. Stuff about bravery and passion and how you muster the courage to change the world. It feels like we all need some of that fire right now.”
Songwriter Billy Nomates (Tor Maries) added:
“I didn’t know about Mary Wollstonecraft. It seems history rarely embraces pioneering women. Her story is a compelling one. A true trailblazer, but a human being, ahead of her 1800s environment. I wanted to bring the music into the last few decades, a contemporary place, not wholly defined by now. An attitude and feeling that resonates across time and ages.”
Wilton’s Music Hall, Grace’s Alley, London, E1 from 18th March – 29th March. Tickets: £13.50-£28 (£11-£25.50 Concession)
Box Office: 0207 7702 2789 / https://wiltons.org.uk/