Martyn Hett’s mother to speak to students following a show dedicated to the memory of the Manchester bombing victim.
Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena bomb, will address school pupils at The Lowry following a performance of #BeMoreMartyn: The Boy with the Deirdre Tattoo.
The play, which begins rehearsals this week, takes its dialogue from interviews with eight of Martyn’s closest friends. Created by Adam Zane and Mike Lee of Hope Theatre Company the script takes audiences on a journey through Martyn’s friendships and celebrating some of his most popular online videos.
#BeMoreMartyn: The Boy with the Deirdre Tattoo opens at London’s Pleasance theatre on Tuesday 21st May and will mark the second anniversary of the attack the following day with a one-minute round of applause.
Talking about the play, Hope Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Adam Zane commented:
“Martyn’s family have been overwhelmingly supportive of the project from the very beginning, they put us in touch with the eight incredible friends that audiences get to know throughout the production. After hours of interviews with them, we are in awe of how Martyn transformed people.
“It feels fitting that we commemorate the anniversary of the attack with a round of applause for Martyn and the other 21 people who lost their lives that day. Audiences will learn that Martyn wasn’t a quiet or shy person and so a round of applause seemed appropriate over the traditional silence.” He added.
Following the run in London the production will tour to Brighton Fringe, Sheffield and Newcastle before closing at The Lowry in Salford. The free school’s performance has been arranged in conjunction with The Lowry and will allow the pupils in attendance to ask Mrs Murray questions once the performance has concluded.
Commenting on the production Figen said:
“As Martyn’s mum I am delighted to see that #BeMoreMartyn is coming back to Greater Manchester after being on tour. I feel very honoured that Mike and Adam have asked me to come and meet around 400 schoolchildren who are coming to watch the show. This is a show about friendship and loyalty, living life to the max and about what is really important in life, namely the people we love and value.
“There will be a post-show discussion which will enable me to answer any questions the children may have about Martyn and why the play is so important. Since Martyn’s death I visit a lot of schools, colleges and universities and talk to young people about kindness, forgiveness, stronger communities and that they can take ownership for a better future if they set their mind to it.” She concluded.
The show will tour in London, Brighton, Newcastle, Sheffield and Salford.
