FriendsOfMDRF.org - THE BLOG!

9:50am
Opening Gate: The Royal Arrival
Written by Carolyn Spedden
Directed by Tom Plott

Join newly appointed Mayor, Sir Richard Southwell as he welcomes the King and Court to the Harvest Festival. Let the cannon sound, the gates open and the fun begin. Huzzah!

------------------

11am
Gatehouse Stage: The Return
Written by Carolyn Spedden
Directed by Tom Plott & Mary Ann Jung

The villagers hear rumors that "the great pestilence" has infected the nearby village of Tiddington. Fear builds as they scheme of ways to protect themselves against the plague. As Mayor, Sir Richard Southwell has enough problems on his hands, but the tensions mount as Scottish courtier, Sir David Lyndsay, informs the mayor that he has just spotted an old lost love of his in the crowd. But, that is impossible. For he had reports that she died in France some years ago.

The courtiers welcome the ladies Mary and Elizabeth back into the line of succession and into Court life. The King himself is in fine spirits, and gossip swirls around the talk of the King's possible sixth marriage. Who could the lady be? Anna of Cleves feels the odds are in her favor to be remarried to the King and once again delcared Queen of England.

-------------

12:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm
Royal Pavilion: Children’s Knighting Ceremonies
Directed Diane Wilshere

Princess Anna's Knighting Ceremony at 12:30pm

The Lady Mary's Knighting Ceremony at 1:30pm

King Henry's Knighting Ceremony at 3pm.

Goodly children can be knighted by at our Royal Pavilion, located at the end of the boardwalk between the Climbing Wall and the Children's Play Area. Please note that due to the Royals busy schedule we must limit each knighting ceremony to 40 children. Numbered tickets will be handed out 10 minutes prior to each ceremony, at the back of the audience seating at the Pavilion

-------------

3:00pm
Globe Theatre: The Human Chess Game: 'J'adoube'
Written and directed by Carolyn Spedden
Fight Choreography by Jim Frank and Geoff Thompson

Newly restored to the line of succession and welcomed back to court, the daughters of King Henry VIII play a game of chess to occupy the time before a royal banquet. However Mary, the daughter of Catherine of Aragon, and Elizabeth, who is daughter of Anne Boleyn, do not know how to engage in a simple, friendly game. These half-sisters differ much in personality. However, both are highly determined women, and have the ability to adjust to the ever-changing circumstances at Court.

An extra dimension to the game - stage combatants literally fight for their spaces!

(Rated PG – for stage combat violence.)
------------------

5pm
Gatehouse Stage: The Dream Denied
Written by Carolyn Spedden
Directed by Tom Plott and Mary Ann Jung

King Henry has asked to see Anna of Cleves in a private conference. Could her dreams come true? Will the King ask for her hand and remarry her?

In the village, the threat of plague grows ever closer. In trying to explain the cause of this pestilence, the theories and solutions get more and more fanciful. Suspicions fall on the French woman, Angelique Saville. The troubles in Oxfordshire began when she arrived in England. Is this a coincidence, or something more?

As the villagers pursue a witch hunt, Sir David Lyndsay is determined to reach the French woman first and save her from harm. However, what are his motives? While it cannot be rationally explained, he is convinced that this young woman is none other than Francoise de Foix, his first great love whom he has not seen since 1519. But how can this be?! It is 1543 and she looks as young and lovely as she did 24 years ago. Is this something magical, or the wild imaginings of a man still in love and refusing to give up hope?

(Rated PG for adult themes)