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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鈥檚 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 麻豆社 Radio 4 in July 2001.

1 hour

On radio

Fri 13 Nov 2026 06:00

Broadcasts

  • Sun 16 Sep 2018 16:00
  • Mon 17 Sep 2018 04:00
  • Fri 13 Nov 2026 06:00
  • Fri 13 Nov 2026 11:00
  • Fri 13 Nov 2026 17:00
  • Sat 14 Nov 2026 01:00