The modern myth of Kitty Jay is perhaps one of the best-known stories from Dartmoor’s folklore, yet few know of its origins. Following the death of her fiancé in the First World War, writer Beatrice Chase became closely attached to the grave of the forgotten girl, Kitty Jay. Alongside fellow writer John Galsworthy, she set in trend a new tradition that continues to this day. Forever adorned with fresh flowers by a mystery mourner, Jay’s grave survives as Dartmoor’s shrine to the tragedy of abandonment…

Chasing Kitty Jay was scripted using historical records, oral history and the writings of Beatrice Chase and John Galsworthy. It was written by Artistic Director Mark Beeson as lead writer in collaboration with members of MED Theatre’s Young Company: Rachel Caverhill, Lily Earp and Elizabeth Mortimer, as well as Abby Stobart (Education Officer). The play formed part of MED Theatre’s wider Dartmoor in World War One project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and followed on from the Young Company production Road to Nowhere in November 2013.