Mary Blandy’s Gallows Tree

Mary Blandy’s Gallows Tree is a gripping and dark early morning tale of a woman who was convicted of poisoning her father with arsenic. This one-woman show features real-life murderess Mary Blandy (played by Lita Doolan) recounting in her final hours the events that led her to the gallows.

If you are not familiar with the tale, Mary Blandy maintained that she thought she was giving her father a love potion so that he would see her point of view and allow her to marry William Cranstoun, an army officer and Scottish nobleman. While awaiting her fate, she now hopes for absolution.

This is a gritty and emotional little piece that manages to include the twists and turns to this intriguing story. Doolan keeps things varied and exciting enough to have you sitting on the edge of your seat. A great little piece to take in after breakfast.

– Paul Ewing