THEGAYUK

Tag: Figen Murray

All the latest breaking news on Figen Murray. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Figen Murray.

  • Martyn Hett’s mother will talk to students about his life

    Martyn Hett’s mother will talk to students about his life

    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.

  • The mother of Martyn Hett is calling for the government to make bag searches mandatory

    The mother of Martyn Hett is calling for the government to make bag searches mandatory

    Bag searches and metal detectors should be mandatory at big venues across the country.

    The mother of Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed in a terrorist attack in Manchester is calling on the government to enact a law that would make bag searches and metal detectors mandatory at the enterances of concert halls, arenas and stadiums across the country.

    Figen Murray who is Martyn’s mother says that she recently went to a concert and was shocked to find that nobody checked her tickets or bags. She writes, “Some places do checks, some have metal detectors, some open doors at the interval for smokers, but then anyone can walk in from the street.”

    Ms Murray has started an online petition calling for metal detectors, bag searches and obligatory safety measures for big public venues. A move which she says should be standardised. She is hoping the law would be called “Martyn’s Law”.

    Martyn Hett was one of 22 people killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Manchester Arena in 2017. Martyn was leaving the venue as the killer was entering the building.

    The petition will run until June 2019.