2001

2001

A year filled with many trials, beginning with flooding and continuing with the sadness brought about by Foot and Mouth. 2001 was the first year that we performed 'the Dream', perhaps my personal favourite of all Shakespeare's plays. I was also lucky enough to create the musical score for this wonderful show, with Rhona Finch, a really talented all round performer, actress, musician, singer, composer and producer. It was many years ago, before Chapterhouse, that I considered the possibility of creating a touring version of the Mystery Plays. The idea never really left me and it was a privilege to take the show to places like Lindisfarne Priory and all those cathedrals, the spiritual homes of these most British of Plays. Richard Main

The Mystery Plays Directed by Karen Crow For centuries stories from The Bible have enthralled audiences with their beauty and passion. Performed throughout the country, often in the splendour of the nation’s cathedrals, these medieval plays follow mankind’s journey from Creation to Doomsday and include the Life of Jesus, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Although some cities have their own adopted cycle, many variants of the plays were toured throughout the land and it is within this tradition that Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents ‘The Mystery Plays’. In a journey through the biblical stories, as recounted in the Cornish Cycle, these remarkable 14th Century plays are a delightful mix of sacred history and ribald humour. From the Middle Ages to the Reformation they were traditionally performed… ‘…in open country, in amphitheatres regularly constructed for the purpose, attended by large assemblages of spectators who came considerable distances and pitched their tents in and near the place, combining the pleasure of a modern day racecourse or great picnic, with what they would consider to be religious duty.’ E.H.P 1838 Based on the original translation by Edward Norris, and adapted by Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Karen Crow, this new production spans the ‘Origin of the World’ through to the ‘Ascension of Christ’. In a moving and enthralling recreation of these remarkable events Chapterhouse Theatre Company captures the unique atmosphere of the three-day ‘Ordinale’ or ‘Service’ in a single spectacular performance. With a large cast, traditional costume and music of the period, Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents a splendid production of one of the country’s most important and moving works in some of the most magnificent cathedrals, castles and heritage sites of Britain.		'...a powerful and passionate portrayal- a bittersweet shock to the system that is both slapstick and sobering.' Lincolnshire Echo 'The strong performances ... are enough to make even the agnostic weep' Wiltshire Times 'Saw the Mystery Play in Lincoln last weekend. Thoroughly enjoyed it - great balance of humour and drama. It really brought the biblical stories to life. Thank you for a fabulous evening. God bless' Audience member

A Midsummer Night's Dream By William Shakespeare Directed by Karen Crow The play contains three stories that weave round each other. The first concerns a quartet of lovers: Hermia and Lysander and Demetrius and Helena. Both men love Hermia, though her father's favour lies with Demetrius who is loved by Helena and loathed by Hermia. Lysander and Hermia plan to elope through the forest outside Athens but are followed by Demetrius, who is himself pursued by the lovesick Helena. Meanwhile in the same forest Oberon and Titania, king and queen of the faeries, are quarrelling over a changeling boy that Titania refuses to give up. In revenge, Oberon places a magic potion in the Queen's eyes, which causes her to fall in love with the first living thing that she sees upon waking. A group of rustics are also in the forest, rehearsing for a play. In sport Puck, Oberon's chief attendant, places an ass's head on Nick Bottom the Weaver. Titania wakes and falls in love with this 'ass' at first sight! Oberon witnesses Helena's distress and orders Puck to apply the love potion to Demetrius. He mistakes the two Athenians and soon both young men are besotted with Helena. The play is resolved when each couple is restored to the 'right' partner. Titania is released from the spell and makes up with Oberon and Nick Bottom is returned to his normal shape. Marriages swiftly follow and the rustics perform their play at the wedding feast, which is blessed by the faeries.		'brings Shakespeare to life in an exhilarating and raucously entertaining fashion' Edinburgh Evening News What the audience said... "My best evening of the year so far." "I nearly cried, I was nearly sick, I nearly wet myself." “…a most memorable and magical evening.”
BACK TO TOP

This site is best viewed in 1024 x 768 resolution
Should you experience any problems, or notice any errors, please contact theoffice@chapterhouse.org