Historical Theatre

Description

Two inept Roman builders struggle to construct a Roman Pharos building. This show is largely mime, incorporating a lot of slap stick, clowning and knock about humour. The show is performed to music with a commentary provided which tells the audience about Roman building techniques and the building of Pharos in particular. This is physical theatre from two very talented comedy actors.

The Siege of 1216 is recreated using willing volunteers from the audience. Children are recruited into either the English or French Armys, are dressed in uniform, provided with foam rubber swords, arrows, and boulders. The new recruits are then drilled in siege tactics, then recreate the original siege, fighting for either Hubert De Burgh or Prince Louis of France. Occasionally history is rewritten, as the end result as to who the eventual victor should be is decided by the audience. The Siege is both educational and fun, and an ideal way for children to “live” history while letting off steam in a safe and controlled situation.

A recreation of three of Chaucers famous tales. We chose ‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale’, ‘The Nuns’ Priest’s Tale’, and “The Merchants Tale’, in order that these might be adapted for a family audience. Recreated in modern English, this show is great comedy entertainment

Hans Holbien, the Tudor painter is in trouble - he has painted a picture of King Henry VIII’s new bride to be which looks nothing like the real Queen Anne. How are Holbien, Thomas Cromwell, and Anne herself to extract themselves from this mess without literally losing their heads? Comedy based in historic fact is the base for this show, you might find yourself discovering some facts about just how clever Anne really was in between the laughter.

Will Shakespeare has been commissioned to write a new play about a famous Roman figure. “Something good, Will, and make sure it’s full of quotes,” Phillip Henslow, the Manager of the Globe tells him. While struggling with his muse, Shakespeare considers writing ‘Julius Caesar’, ‘Anthony and Cleopatra’, ‘Venus and Adonis’, and ‘Titus Andronicus’ while struggling with temperamental actors, irate pie salesmen and irritable asps. A great way to discover Shakepeares Roman plays, and enjoy yourself at the same time - Shakespeare can be funny!

A recreating of the famous Spanish Armada. As with the Siege Tactics for Kids production, children from the audience are recruited into the English or Spanish navies to fight the Armada first hand.

A blood thirsty and villainous tale with a surprise ending is recreated with the use of shadow puppets. After the show children can join in a workshop to create their own shadow screens and puppets

.A musical show incorporating songs and recreations from the Napoleonic period. Sea Shanties from on board Nelsons Flag Ship and historical fact combine with amusing recitations from authentically costumed performers. This is a real crowd pleaser.

The Townsend family lived on board Nelsons flag ship. They can tell you what life was like for the women and children on board ship, as well as the origins of the phrases “Show a leg” and “Son of a Gun”. Interactive activities include recruiting members of the audience to help recreate Nelsons famous semaphore message “England expects...”, quizzes on putting a gun barrel together, and rebuilding one of Nelson cannon.

Music and comedy from the master theatre maker of the post war period. Readings from Noel Cowards’ Diary, amusing anecdotes regarding the mans life, and performance of his writing and songs combine into a tribute to the mans genius. This show presents an afternoon of civilised laughter and entertainment in the truest sense of the word.

A great show based on the songs and sketches of the Second World War. Nostalgia and fun are the order of the day, as well as fond remembrances - truly touching songs like “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “That Lovely Weekend” are guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye. ITMA sketches, Stanley Holloway recitations, Flanagan and Allen sketches and poems of the era raise a smile. This is a really fun show for all ages.

Chalky is helping the war effort by digging for Victory, but he digs up more than he expected when he discovers his potting shed has become a time machine, and is bringing an assortment of undesirable characters to intrude on his solitude. Roman matrons, Victorian climbers and a First World War pilot are just some of the confused characters he has to contend with. A children's show which brings history alive, and might make the adult laugh too!

	Historical Theatre

	Creating theatre based on historical fact is a Crew of Patches speciality. Often the performances produced are humorous, usually they are educational, but hey are always great entertainment. The table below gives details of some of our Historical Shows.



Roman Cowboys			Chalky Digs for Victory		The Arrival of Anne of Cleeves	Bless 'Em All

Production Roman Cowboys Siege Tactics for Kids The Canterbury Tales The Arrival of Anne of Cleeves Shakespeare's Romans The Armada for Kids The Tale of Ambrose Gwynett Trafalgar Down the Hatch A Touch of Nelson An Afternoon with Noel Coward Bless ‘Em All Chalky Digs for Victory		Historical Period Roman Mediaeval Mediaeval Tudor Tudor/Elizabethan Elizabethan Georgian Napoleonic Napoleonic 1930/40’s Second World War Second World War		Description Two inept Roman builders struggle to construct a Roman Pharos building. This show is largely mime, incorporating a lot of slap stick, clowning and knock about humour. The show is performed to music with a commentary provided which tells the audience about Roman building techniques and the building of Pharos in particular. This is physical theatre from two very talented comedy actors. The Siege of 1216 is recreated using willing volunteers from the audience. Children are recruited into either the English or French Armys, are dressed in uniform, provided with foam rubber swords, arrows, and boulders. The new recruits are then drilled in siege tactics, then recreate the original siege, fighting for either Hubert De Burgh or Prince Louis of France. Occasionally history is rewritten, as the end result as to who the eventual victor should be is decided by the audience. The Siege is both educational and fun, and an ideal way for children to “live” history while letting off steam in a safe and controlled situation. A recreation of three of Chaucers famous tales. We chose ‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale’, ‘The Nuns’ Priest’s Tale’, and “The Merchants Tale’, in order that these might be adapted for a family audience. Recreated in modern English, this show is great comedy entertainment Hans Holbien, the Tudor painter is in trouble - he has painted a picture of King Henry VIII’s new bride to be which looks nothing like the real Queen Anne. How are Holbien, Thomas Cromwell, and Anne herself to extract themselves from this mess without literally losing their heads? Comedy based in historic fact is the base for this show, you might find yourself discovering some facts about just how clever Anne really was in between the laughter. Will Shakespeare has been commissioned to write a new play about a famous Roman figure. “Something good, Will, and make sure it’s full of quotes,” Phillip Henslow, the Manager of the Globe tells him. While struggling with his muse, Shakespeare considers writing ‘Julius Caesar’, ‘Anthony and Cleopatra’, ‘Venus and Adonis’, and ‘Titus Andronicus’ while struggling with temperamental actors, irate pie salesmen and irritable asps. A great way to discover Shakepeares Roman plays, and enjoy yourself at the same time - Shakespeare can be funny! A recreating of the famous Spanish Armada. As with the Siege Tactics for Kids production, children from the audience are recruited into the English or Spanish navies to fight the Armada first hand. A blood thirsty and villainous tale with a surprise ending is recreated with the use of shadow puppets. After the show children can join in a workshop to create their own shadow screens and puppets .A musical show incorporating songs and recreations from the Napoleonic period. Sea Shanties from on board Nelsons Flag Ship and historical fact combine with amusing recitations from authentically costumed performers. This is a real crowd pleaser. The Townsend family lived on board Nelsons flag ship. They can tell you what life was like for the women and children on board ship, as well as the origins of the phrases “Show a leg” and “Son of a Gun”. Interactive activities include recruiting members of the audience to help recreate Nelsons famous semaphore message “England expects...”, quizzes on putting a gun barrel together, and rebuilding one of Nelson cannon. Music and comedy from the master theatre maker of the post war period. Readings from Noel Cowards’ Diary, amusing anecdotes regarding the mans life, and performance of his writing and songs combine into a tribute to the mans genius. This show presents an afternoon of civilised laughter and entertainment in the truest sense of the word. A great show based on the songs and sketches of the Second World War. Nostalgia and fun are the order of the day, as well as fond remembrances - truly touching songs like “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “That Lovely Weekend” are guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye. ITMA sketches, Stanley Holloway recitations, Flanagan and Allen sketches and poems of the era raise a smile. This is a really fun show for all ages. Chalky is helping the war effort by digging for Victory, but he digs up more than he expected when he discovers his potting shed has become a time machine, and is bringing an assortment of undesirable characters to intrude on his solitude. Roman matrons, Victorian climbers and a First World War pilot are just some of the confused characters he has to contend with. A children's show which brings history alive, and might make the adult laugh too!