Mary Lincoln's one-woman play launches in Sheringham

Marcella's Minute to Midnight is a heart-rending exploration into a woman's past and her future, fuelled by the declutter of a lifetime after a bungled eBay order necessitates more loft storage space.

Marcella is compelled to delve into keepsakes that unearth poignant memories, making agonising decisions about what items are kept or discarded.

The play, filled with humour and reflection, is the brainchild of seasoned actor and writer Mary Lincoln, who, besides composing the script, is also the sole performer.

UK premiere of Mary Lincoln's emotionally-charged solo play in Sheringham (Image: Steve Ullathorne)

Ms Lincoln has featured in multiple summer dramas at the Sheringham Little Theatre where the play will premiere.

She said: “I’m hoping that people will relate to the feeling of trying to avoid the big clear out for fear of what they might find in the process.”

The play showcases a blend of nostalgic family moments and introspective questions as Marcella confronts the reality of a life "running out of time".

The inception of Marcella's Minute to Midnight happened during a socially-distanced walk in the Covid-19 lockdown with Ms Lincoln's son, who encouraged her to shift focus onto herself.

Heartwarming fare from decluttering provides solo play's inspirational backdrop (Image: Steve Ullathorne)

A North Norfolk local, she decided to infuse her own experiences of balancing familial duties with her acting career into the play.

She said: “Lockdown was both a tragic and a creative time for many; a time when we were all reminded of our own mortality, and for me a time of realisation that if I had something else to say creatively, I’d better get off my backside and do something about it.”

Marcella's Minute to Midnight is on September 14 at 7.30pm at Sheringham Little Theatre.

Tickets are available online or by contacting the box office.