ENTERTAINMENT & PERFORMANCE
LIBERATA COLLECTIVE: ANTONIA (OPERA)
Monday 22nd June
Antonia, written as an intimate retelling of the lesser-known parts of Marie Antoinette’s life story, explores the queen’s experiences through the music that surrounded her.
Expect the beautiful melodies of Gluck, Joseph de Bologne, Piccinni and rare gems by Sacchini and Dussek, performed through the historical acting style of Baroque Gesture for which the opera company Liberata Collective have become known. Music and text are interwoven, using Antonia’s personal letters; revealing the human world behind the courtly facade and illuminating the often fragile space where music and politics meet.
ON CUE THEATRE – THE TRAGEDIE OF MACBETH
Tues 23rd & Sun 28th June
On Cue Theatre is a new company created for Chalke History Festival by Emma Bown and Callum Coates. Both experienced Shakespearean actors – working with the Original Shakespeare Company, the Globe Theatre, the RSC, and most recently at The Bridge theatre in London – they are excited to bring you theatre in a more Elizabethan manner.
Their approach is based on evidence from the Dulwich College papers, which show that Elizabethan actors were able to present a different play each day of the week and a new play every two weeks. They worked from cue scripts (actors received the lines they needed to learn, but not the rest of the play), without directors and with minimal rehearsal. This production of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tragedie of Macbeth’ will follow that practise, where the actors will discover the play before the audience’s eyes. It guarantees a lively, engaged performance that will keep the actors on their toes as much as the audience.
DIVORCED, BEHEADED, DIED: AN AUDEINCE WITH KING HENRY VIII
The year is 1544 and King Henry, the Eighth of that name, is engaged upon Royal Progress about his Realm; and has halted here to afford his Loyal Subjects the opportunity to have ‘audience’ with their Sovereign Lord and King.
The King, recently married to his new, and sixth, wife, Queen Catherine Parr, is in poor health; his leg continues to cause him considerable pain and he is often in a poor humour!
In the course of the ‘audience’, His Majesty will recount the events of his long reign; telling of his wives and his children, and His Majesty will invite his Loyal Subjects to Petition him or question him on ANY related subject : a lively Q&A is assured!
HISTORY’S MAID: TRAILBLAZING WOMEN
All Week
Historian and performer Dr Kate Vigurs brings to life the extraordinary stories of trailblazing women who shaped the course of the Second World War. Through gripping storytelling and meticulous research, she uncovers the courage, resilience and daring of those who operated in the shadows and on the front lines.
From Vera Atkins and her relentless search for SOE’s missing agents, to the escape networks led by Mary Lindell, and the fearless reporting of Lee Miller, these powerful performances reveal lives lived with extraordinary bravery. Dr Vigurs also explores the vital role of the Special Operations Executive in the lead-up to D-Day, shining a light on the women whose contributions changed history.
FOREIGN FIELD
Paul Bavill, Rory Ware and Kyle Glover are three hugely talented costumed historical interpreters who will be demonstrating martial skills, dark crimes and hidden heroics in a mix of history that stretches from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. From 15th-century armoured combat to the artful techniques of Victorian self-defence, don’t miss their unique blend of action, education, and comedy.
THE HISTORY TELLER
Discover the amazing, true story of the daring British raid on Taranto harbour, based on interviews with Lieutenant Commander John Wellham D.S.C., Pilot of Swordfish E5H of 824 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm.
In late 1940, Italy had the largest, most modern fleet in the world, moored in Taranto harbour, the largest, most heavily defended harbour in the world. Taranto provided an excellent base for the Italian Navy to hide whilst still being able to attack crucial and vulnerable shipping supply routes. How could the British neutralise the Italian fleet?
RATTLEBOX THEATRE & ANGELHEART THEATRE
The Misadventures of Thor – Wed-Sun
From Wednesday to Sunday, Rattlebox Theatre and Angel Heart Theatre will be enchanting audiences with their performances of The Misadventures of Thor. Tall, brave, strong…but none too bright. Sometimes his days aren’t full of heroic thunder, but instead are filled with hapless blunder!
These ancient Nordic tales are brought to you by Ulf and Odd, two skalds, or storytellers, in a comedic romp through the life and times of the Viking gods. Rattlebox and Angel Heart Theatre present this family show with their usual flair for skilfully blending puppetry, storytelling and larger-than-life characters into a performance full of wonder and delight! Suitable for everyone over 4 years.
