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Black Maria by John Fletcher

How the Victorian seamstress-turned-murderess mesmerised a nation with jail-sewn dresses worn in court. Stars Charlotte Coleman.

The true story of the most famous murderess of the Victorian era, Maria Manning.

A seamstress turned outlaw, her sensational trial mesmerised the nation.

Each night in prison, Maria famously sewed black dresses to dazzle the waiting public, making the most splendid of all the night before her execution.

John Fletcher’s play tells the compelling story of the woman after whom prison vans were called "black marias".

Maria Manning .... Charlotte Coleman
William Jackson ... Kenny Blyth
The Editor ... Julian Glover
Joseph O'Connor ... John Hartley
Fred Manning ..... Jonathan Keeble
Virginia Potts ....Carolyn Pickles

Director: Virginia Crompton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2001.

1 hour

On radio

Fri 13 Nov 202606:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Sun 16 Sep 201816:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Mon 17 Sep 201804:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 13 Nov 202606:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 13 Nov 202611:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 13 Nov 202617:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 14 Nov 202601:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra