MARIEDL, Selfies with a Giantess

Maria Fassnauer, known as 'Mariedl, the Tyrolean Giantess' was born 1879 to an extremely poor farming family in Tyrol, Austria, and died there 38 years later. But those simple dates bookend an extraordinary life. Her fame spread from the small village out into the wider world and inevitably people came calling, including a man who was to become her manager. Together with her sister Rosa, she spent six years crossing Europe to be exhibited in theatres, at the World Fair in Brussels, in many a German panoptikum, then crossing to England where she spent a year at the Hippodromes in London and Manchester. It was here that Clive Darril from Wagga Wagga, Australia, caught up with her and made his infamous marriage proposal in front of the press, which she turned down. She had sponsorship deals, met royalty, made a huge sum of money which she gave to her parents and a variety of charities; but behind it all was a shy religious woman who had to work hard, standing for hours in position and then selling postcards of herself.

Selfies with a Giantess uses the lens of the life of 'the tallest woman in the world' to turn a probing eye on our view of those who are different, on the life of modern celebrities and influencers, and the price paid for constant self-marketing and presentation.

Mariedl is portrayed by the Austro - Australian actress Maxi Blaha and accompanied by Ursual Fatton on the harp.

Dates

Prices

Arrive Early

At least 30 minutes before the show. Our performances start bang on time and it takes a hot second to welcome you into the building.

Under 18s

The Butterfly Club is a licensed venue. Under 18s can only attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.