Blood on My Mother's Apron

by Rachel Leighson

Ten years after Jack the Ripper shook British society to its core, another brutal crime hits the headlines: Amelia Dyer is arrested on suspicion of murdering over 300 infants, including her own daughter and son. Her one surviving child, Polly Dyer may be the key to her mother’s conviction -- if she can bring herself to remember the past. With the help of her friend Charlotte Cullum and renowned prosecutor Horace...

Ten years after Jack the Ripper shook British society to its core, another brutal crime hits the headlines: Amelia Dyer is arrested on suspicion of murdering over 300 infants, including her own daughter and son. Her one surviving child, Polly Dyer may be the key to her mother’s conviction -- if she can bring herself to remember the past. With the help of her friend Charlotte Cullum and renowned prosecutor Horace Avery, Polly discovers that our traditional ideas of motherhood can often hide an untamable darkness.

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Blood on My Mother's Apron

Recommended by

  • Audrey Lang: Blood on My Mother's Apron by Rachel Leighson
    “

    BLOOD ON MY MOTHER'S APRON is a thoughtful (and well-researched!) look at a challenging historical figure and, in particular, her daughter. Leighson embraces the complexities of Polly Dyer's life and utilizes a combination of court transcripts and original text to create a compelling story. I was thrilled to feature BLOOD ON MY MOTHER'S APRON and playwright Rachel Leighson on my podcast "Favorite Child"! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rachel-leighson-complicated-women…

    BLOOD ON MY MOTHER'S APRON is a thoughtful (and well-researched!) look at a challenging historical figure and, in particular, her daughter. Leighson embraces the complexities of Polly Dyer's life and utilizes a combination of court transcripts and original text to create a compelling story. I was thrilled to feature BLOOD ON MY MOTHER'S APRON and playwright Rachel Leighson on my podcast "Favorite Child"! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rachel-leighson-complicated-women…

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Blood on My Mother's Apron by Rachel Leighson
    “

    A remarkable piece of historical fiction that plays out as horror theatre. Great roles for women of various ages. I found it thoroughly fascinating to see into the minds of Amelia and Polly. Hope this gets produced. A play with lots of room for mood lighting and sound.

    A remarkable piece of historical fiction that plays out as horror theatre. Great roles for women of various ages. I found it thoroughly fascinating to see into the minds of Amelia and Polly. Hope this gets produced. A play with lots of room for mood lighting and sound.

    ”
  • Kate Danley: Blood on My Mother's Apron by Rachel Leighson
    “

    They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and this true crime story of a mass murder will grab you by the throat from the first page and never let go. A terse, psychological drama filled with tension and verbatim quotes from the actual trial. A remarkable play.

    They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and this true crime story of a mass murder will grab you by the throat from the first page and never let go. A terse, psychological drama filled with tension and verbatim quotes from the actual trial. A remarkable play.

    ”

Development History

  • Reading, Broadway Bound Theatre Festival, 2020

Production History

  • Workshop, Theatre Row Off Broadway - BBTF, 2021

Awards

  • Best New Play
    Broadway World
    Finalist
    2021