The Trial of Margaret Clitherow

Genre: Religious historical drama, one-act play

Tagline: Arrested for harboring a Roman Catholic priest back in the 1500s, devout Margaret Clitherow faces the choice of defending herself by converting or accepting punishment by death. 

Synopsis: In this historical drama, the devout wife and mother Margaret Clitherow is arrested for harboring a Roman Catholic priest, punishable by death. Caught in a political battle of Protestants versus Catholics in 1500s England, she is given the option of throwing herself on the mercy of the court by “simply” converting. But as a devout Catholic, how can she turn her back on her faith? And what would be the repercussions to her family if she does and if she doesn’t?

Characters (in order of appearance):  

MARGARET CLITHEROW, about 30, Caucasian

JOHN CLITHEROW, her husband, in his 50s, Caucasian; also: COURT ATTENDANT 3, ATTORNEY TO THE COUNCIL, JUDGE RODES, LEWD FELLOW 1, SARGEANT, COUNCILLOR 3, FRIEND 2

LORD MAYOR HENRY MAY, her stepfather, Caucasian; also: COURT ATTENDANT 2, COUNCILLOR 2, LEWD FELLOW 2, SHERIFF FAWCET, PARSON WIGGINTON, FRIEND 1

JUDGE CLENCH, 50s, Caucasian; also: COURT ATTENDANT 1, COUNCILLOR 1, FLEMISH BOY, PRISON GUARD, JESUS CHRIST, FRIEND 3  

Place: York, England     

Time: March 1586

PROP LIST

Catholic books

Chalices (2)

Cord

Flemish Boy’s clothes

Prayer beads

Rods (2)

Silver coins

Tall stool

Vestments (2)

White shift

Woman’s hat, appropriate for a merchant’s wife