What's On
THE CANTERBURY TALES
by Geoffrey Chaucer, adapted into modern English by Stephen Quinn
"The Canterbury Tales" is an hilarious fast-paced modern adaptation of Chaucer's original mediaeval poem. Thirty pilgrims set off for Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket. To while away the journey they tell each other stories: stories of love and lust, stupidity and passion, chivalry and greed. We take several of these sparkling tales and present an evening that soars from farcical comedy to touching romance.
The Tales are each set in a
completely different era and style, showing the wide-ranging versatility of
Chaucer’s stories:
The Pardoner's Tale: (Western) Three young men decide that since so many people are dying, that Death needs a good talking to. They set out to find him. An Indian medicine man tells them that Death is under a nearby tree. Instead they find a huge pile of gold coins...
The Miller's Tale: (Carry-On
films) A carpenter's wife tricks her gullible husband into sitting in a tub
hanging from the roof to await a second Flood, while she dallies in bed with
their student lodger. Sadly, they play a trick on the visiting curate, who comes
back with a red hot poker!
The Reeve’s Tale: (Silent Movie) Two students are cheated by the local Miller when they go to buy corn. Forced to stay the night, they get their own back by playing Musical Beds with his wife and daughter.
The Wife of Bath’s Tale: (Mediaeval) A young of King Arthur’s court is found guilty of pressing his affection upon a young girl. As a punishment he is set the task of finding out what women really desire most. A wizened old lady promises to give him the answer, but the information comes at a price…
Franklin's Tale: (Sci Fi) A newly
married woman fears her husband has been lost in space. She makes a
bargain with a starship crewman to ensure his safe return. On her
husband's arrival the young man wants payment - a night of hot
steamy love!
The
Merchant's Tale: (Victorian Melodrama) An old
man marries a young girl, but as his sight fails he grows ever more jealous.
He has no idea that as she climbs a tree to pick fruit, and he stands guarding
the trunk, a hunky serving man is hidden in the branches...
Comic,
scurrilous, bawdy, poignant or tragic: this will be an evening of fun for all
ages....and a chance to see one of the greatest masterpieces of English
literature, justly celebrated for more than a century and a half before
Shakespeare was even a glint in his father's eye!
by William Shakespeare, Directed by Stephen Lee
One of then most well known plays in the history of the Western World almost needs no introduction.
"Alas, poor country, almost afraid to know itself, It cannot be called our mother, but our grave."
Shakespeare's stark and horrifying tragedy reveals the far-reaching and terrifying consequences of the abandonment of principles. "Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles"
From the electrifying opening scene of supernatural forces at work, this story "full of sound and fury" races towards its thrilling conclusion with an explosive power that will leave you breathless.
This performance season will be presented in the true Bare Naked style with minimal set and special effects but will use full traditional costuming.
Where venues permit, performances will be conducted in the round.