STAGE, STREET ACTS & ROYAL COURT EVENTS
Alice and Wendy: Science & Stories
New! Special guests for Children's Weekend, August 24th & 25th.
Alice and Wendy: Science and Stories offers a new take on storytelling: letting science lead the tales. Multiple stories ensure every show becomes a choose your own adventure where the audience and performers are both surprised by the story that will be told.
Science becomes magical as these two weave their fantastical tales around their experiments, bringing joy and education to their audiences. Family friendly and customized to their audience, they are sure to make you laugh whether they are tracking down a dragon, appeasing sirens or helping out a
down on his luck leprechaun. At Reveler's Bower.
Archery Demonstration
James Frank, director. See a demonstration of the English longbow - the weapon that changed the history of Britain. This informative demonstration will also include the use of bows handmade in our village Militia tent. Performed at 2pm in the Jousting Field, 9/7 - 10/20.
http://www.period-productions.com/
Barely Balanced
Comedy. Acrobatics. Danger.
Don't miss Small, Medium, and Large as they return to the Blackfriars Theatre for three fun-filled weekends! For over 15 years they've been wowing audiences across the country.
Performing 9/7 - 9/29.
https://barelybalanced.com/
Bad Idea Variety Show
Since 2014 Bad Idea Variety Show has been on the road traveling to Renaissance Faires showcasing “Better Entertainment Through Poor Life Choices”. Join Douglas Stafford on 9/7,8 at the Lyric Stage and 10/12,13 at the Gatehouse Stage and judge his poor life choices for yourself! https://bad-ideas-entertainment.com/
Captain NoBeard's Travelling Menagerie of Mythical Beasts and Magical Creatures
Cantankerous, charismatic crowd-favorite Captain Nobeard, of the Pirate Escape show, TreasureQuest, and Famous Death Scenes, brings you an all-new show: Captain Nobeard’s Travelling Menagerie of Mythical Beasts and Magical Creatures!
This new show takes on the great mysteries, like, “How does a dragon breathe fire?”, “Where does a gryphon hide her eggs?”, and “Who thought the title of the show wasn’t too long to legibly fit on a sign?”
Witness mysterious creatures thought to be legend! See the mystical phoenix! Gaze at the basilisk!* Better understand the creatures behind the myths as Captain Nobeard shares all his myth-understandings with you! This show combines humor, magic, and puppetry.
*(Don’t gaze directly at the basilisk. The gaze of a basilisk is deadly)
Stage show performance: 8/24,25; 9/7,8,14,15. Meet the Captain and a creature in the pathways the month of October.
Characters! Court & Villagers
The Festival is set in the small village of Revel Grove, located in Oxfordshire. Each year the village has a Harvest Festival. King Henry VIII, Queen Jane, and their courtiers are in attendance. From the King to the local farmer, all are happy to engage with the guests, introducing them to their world in 1536. The villagers and courtiers will be in the pathways and on the stages of Revel Grove.
Children's Knighting Ceremony
All goodly young gentles can be knighted by the King! This brief general knighting ceremony takes place at the Cottage Stage. Immediately following the knighting, individuals can get their photos taken with the King. Time: TBA
Columbina: The Courtesan Show (Ask A Courtesan)
What was a courtesan and how could these women of ill-repute become some of the most sought after advisors and influencers in the world? Come, laugh, and learn about what it was like to be in this special part of society from Columbina, the woman who has seen and done it all. Performed at Reveler's Bower once daily. Rated PG-13
Michele G. Schultz as Columbina
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063497015401
Conundrum, street puzzler
Todd Brown. Conundrum will confound you with amazing tricks and puzzles. Encounter his magic in the pathways, 9/7 - 10/20.
Dash Rippington's Dangerously Stupid Show
New this season! Join Dash as he performs a show filled with traditional sideshow tricks. Each more dangerous (and possibly more stupid) than the next! 5pm on the Globe.
DeBracey Productions
DeBracey Productions returns to the jousting arena, where they will present exciting shows featuring amazing trick riding, thrilling combat, and jousting! Don't miss them at 12pm, 3pm, & 6pm!
http://www.debraceyproductions.com/
Digger Plotts: Gravedigger/Sin Eater
Digger Plotts, gravedigger and Sin Eater, will be in Revel Grove 9/7 - 10/20. Digger is always available for a chat. You can find him in the pathways of the village,
https://www.oddots.com/
Dinty the Moor
Brian Wendell Morton. Dinty, 'the most honest man in the village', will amuse and amaze you with daring feats of dishonesty, culminating in a two-man fight to the Death! Or, something very close to it! See Dinty at the Lyric Stage. http://www.liesofbrian.com/
Don Quixote
Don Quixote, reimagined, combines the world-famous elements of Cervantes’ classic novel with an upbeat comic twist. Positive, energetic, and kid-accessible; he patrols the lanes protecting patrons from giants, dragons, and monsters. Don't be surprised if he enlists your help to serenade a lady, attack a monster disguised as a rock or tree, or perform a noble deed in the honor of Lady Dulcinea! Actor Sean Costas plays Don Quixote. 9/7 - 10/20.
Escuela Estafa
See Diego Natividad de la Estafa show you three historic real-world street swindles and why you shouldn't risk your hard-earned money playing them. Fast & Loose, The Shell Game and the Three Card Monte are demonstrated, along with the one and only lesson to be learned: "Don't Play These Games For Money!" At the Gatehouse Stage.
https://www.facebook.com/LiesOfBrian/
Famous Death Scenes with Nobeard and Gwendolyn
Matthew Pauli, Nicole Skelly. Festival regulars Captain Nobeard and Gwendolyn team up for an utterly ridiculous and randomly dynamic show featuring the ostentatious pretension of Shakespeare, the chaotic thrill of sword fighting, and the over-acted anguish of death. It's Shakespeare as you've never seen it before. Find out why! Twice daily at the Globe Theatre.
https://www.facebook.com/GwendolynShow
Fools Named 'O' and La!La!
Mark Jaster- A Fool named "O", Sabrina Mandell-La!La! Family-friendly physical antics and classic knock-about comedy. "O" and his partner, "LaLa" mix classic routines and new material again this year as they have since 2005. At the Lyric Stage. www.happenstancetheater.com photo by Lisa Julia
Ginger Whimsey
Ginger Whimsy is a multi-talented actress, visual artist, performer, professional artist model, and living statue who’s experience spans over 3 decades. Visit with Ginger in the pathways, this year all nine weekends!
The Gwendolyn Show
Gwendolyn Steele (Nicole Skelly) is making her way in the world solo. What kind of trouble can she get into? Join in as Gwendolyn explores life, the universe, and how to get a date! At the Lyric Stage and in the pathways.
https://www.facebook.com/GwendolynShow/
Hilby, the skinny German juggle boy
Best described as a show without boundaries, Hilby is the living proof that being German doesn’t mean you can’t be funny. Hilby is an expert in juggling all sorts of objects and subjects. He also is amazing in countless circus and variety skills such as unicycling, balance stunts and more. This season see Hilby at the Blackfriars Theatre October 5th to the 20th!
https://www.hilby.net/
Hunters of the Unruly Dead
Charles Boyington, Steven Kirkpatrick
The Hunters of the Unruly Dead investigate the science and superstitious on topics Heavenly and Worldly.
TUDOR MAGES (Tudor Magic)
Join Heinrich Agrippa and Thomas Bodley as they delve into the world of Tudor magic. What is magic in the Renaissance time period? Heinrich and Thomas explore divination, astrology, alchemy, and necromancy in this interactive show, with time for Q&A from the audience.
TUDOR GHOSTS
"Angels, and ministers of grace, defend us!
I have heard (but not believ'd) the spirits of the dead
May walk again..."
Join the Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa and his assistant Thomas Bodley as they explore the Tudor theology of ghosts, the creepy signs of ghostly presence, the proper response to a spectre's visitation, as well as tales of a few famous Tudor-era hauntings. You may also get to play a ghost yourself in an interactive scene. Be warned.
Shows performed during the month of October at the Fortune Stage. Visit with them in the pathways of Revel Grove as well.
Photo by Liquid Lindy Photography
Into the Forest Wild
A new work by Carolyn Spedden using the words of Shakespeare, voice, movement and stage combat. Directed by Tom Plott. Performed once daily at the Globe Theatre.
'The king doth keep his revels here to-night:
Take heed the queen come not within his sight;
For Oberon is passing fell and wrath,
Because that she as her attendant hath
A lovely boy, stolen from an Indian king;
She never had so sweet a changeling;
And jealous Oberon would have the child
Knight of his train, to trace the forests wild;'
-Puck, Act II, sc i
Shakespeare's characters are often transformed when they leave the Court, cities or villages and enter the wilderness - the forests wild. In comedies the masks worn in the city are dropped in the forest and their true selves and loves revealed, leading to happiness. In the tragedies, characters often realize the folly of their ways but the die has been cast and their destiny cannot be changed.
Come, travel with some of Shakespeare's most famous characters as they 'trace the forests wild'.
(trace means travel)
Inquisitive Corvids
New!
In Old Norse mythology Odin had two ravens named Huginn & Muninn (Thought & Memory) who were tasked each day to fly around Midgard (Earth) collecting information to bring back to Odin. This pair of Inquisitive Corvids is in Revel Grove collecting random facts and information to jot in their notebooks to complete their task. Special guests on Myth & magic weekend, September 7th & 8th.
https://dollzentertainment.com/
Jack Ripley's School of Dance
Join Master of the Revels, Jack Ripley, as he teaches a country dance and invites all to participate. Dance school will be in session twice daily near the Maypole (by Guest Services). Time: TBA. No dance experience necessary. Just have fun!
Please note: This is weather permitting and may be cancelled in case of rain.
Photo by Kevin Hedgecock.
Jacques Ze Whipper
Dashing Danger With A French Twist!
Tik Tok sensation Jacques Ze Whipper will perform for SIX weekends this season. 8/24 - 9/29. Don't miss him!
Jim Mackenzie: Comedian with Mad Skills
Jim has been keeping vaudeville alive since 1985 and continues to add new original routines to the act. He learned to juggle at a young age from his dad. He picked up sword swallowing and other skills along the way, taught himself violin and put it all in a comedy show that has become a favorite with audiences around the country. He’s been featured on national TV and legitimate theater. Experience in the moment comedy and amazing original feats.
“I love that the act wasn’t about the juggling, you really are a comedian with mad skills!” – Will Arnett – Executive Producer, The Gong Show
10/19,20 at the Market Stage.
A Klasse Akte
Tony Korol-Evans, Mark Allen
A Klasse Akte brings historical information to you in fun and fascinating shows!
CAKES AND ALE
Presented by the Mayor's cook, Mistress Cecily Clack, this show features different receipts (recipes) from the 16th century and earlier each weekend. This humorous but educational take on period dishes and eating & drinking habits will tantalize even the most discerning palates. Each week features a special ingredient chosen by previous Cakes & Ale attendees! At Reveler’s Bower
https://www.facebook.com/CakesandAles/
CASKS & FLASKS
Take a rollicking romp through alcohols of the age as Ale Connor Arnold and Alewife Cecily explain their finer and not so fine points. Join Arnold and Cecily as they discuss ale, cider, mead, wine, brandy, gin rum, and specialty drinks through story and song. Each weekend will focus on one of the alcohols to provide an in-depth look at the boozy options of the sixteenth century.
Knightwings Birds of Prey is a traveling free flight Birds of Prey show that has been entertaining and educating thousands of people for over 20 years. Master Falconer Ash Cary also operates a 501c3 non-profit conservation organization called One World Raptor Conservancy which operates on three continents. See the birds up close at the Birds of Prey Mews, located near the joust field and Dragon's Lair pub. And 3 times a day enjoy performances. At the Joust Field at 1pm & 5pm, and 3pm at Blackfriar's Theatre
Please note: schedule of shows subject to change due to weather conditions.
Les S. Moore Will Steal Your Stuff
Making the world a better place, 20 court-ordered minutes at a time. Reformed pickpocket, Les S. Moore reveals the insider tricks dippers use to steal your things, without you even knowing. Les is one of the world’s top stage pickpockets, can perfectly fold a fitted sheet, invented gravity, and is a prolific practitioner of prevarication. For more surprises, for more laughs, Les S. Moore. 11:30am & 5pm at the Fortune Stage.
https://www.lessmoore.com/
Lucky Coincidence
Everybody knows that one person who is luckier than anyone else in the room—the woman who always gets the short check out line, the guy who always seems to be winning at scratch-offs, that kid who always picks the short straw and gets out of the dirty jobs. Well, that guy is Dinty The Moor, which is why his friends always call him ‘LUCKY COINCIDENCE!’ Come see why, every day at the Lyric Stage!
https://www.facebook.com/DintyTheMoor
Photo by Steve Parke
Lynx's Sword Swallowing Show
The Lynx show is a fast paced magic and sword swallowing show that is sure to get ya pumped up. Mentored by the late Legend sword swallower master magician Johnny fox, Lynx brings his own flare of antics honoring and making people smile, laugh… look confused to the stage. This is a show you won’t want to miss! 10/12 - 10/20.
Martika: One Woman Stunt Show
Martika graces the audience with her witty humor and playful charm. Don't let this fool you! She is a traveling pirate who takes the audience on a journey through some of her death-defying adventures. Martika entertains with barbed wire hula hooping, human cutting board, swallowing swords and more. Martika is also known for incorporating informative and uplifting messages into her performance. No matter how terrifying a goal may be, it is achievable. The show is family friendly with crowd interaction in mind. Her spectacular show will make the audience laugh and leave them asking, "HOW DID SHE DO THAT? I want to see more!" 9/7 - 9/29 on the Fortune Stage.
https://themartikashow.com/
The Mayor's Revels
Join Mayor Richard Mondes and the talented villagers and musicians of Revel Grove for an intimate performance at Reveler's Bower of madrigals by the Queen's Singers, instrumental music, and spirited and lovely folk songs.
Musical Accompaniment by Gary Schwartz, Ayal Yariv.
StoryTyme in the Grove, hosted by Page After Page
Special stories for young lads and lasses at the Cottage Stage! Presented by Page After Page. For Ages 2-6 years old with caring adult.
On August 24th & 25th MDRF and Page After Page welcome back the Anne Arundel County Library: Discoveries at the Mall in presenting StoryTyme in the Grove during Children’s Weekend. Bring your Wee Bairns to the Cottage Stage at 11:30 to participate in readings and activities designed to entertain and engage their imaginations. We heard a mythical beast may be loose in the realm.
Royal Court Show: Drama, Dances & Delights
NEW royal court show!
More information coming soon!
Photo by C. William Hartmann
Midwife Crisis
Are you ready to experience childbirth like NEVER before? Brace yourselves for "Midwife Crisis," where comedy and 'child-rearing' collide in the most hilarious way possible!
Led by the uproariously funny Midwife Blair Hoskins, this show is bursting with whimsy, adult subject matter, onions, and even iambic pentameter. Expect the unexpected as Blair delivers her 'unconventional' teachings on parenthood. Whether you're an aspiring parent or just looking for a good laugh, this show is a must-see!” Rated PG-13. 8/24 - 9/15 at Reveler's Bower
The Militia Combat Demonstrations
The Militia presents three weapons demonstrations daily at the Grounds For Defense (near the Chapel). Times: TBA
Photo by Regan Avery
Militia Mayhem!
What's Nymblewyke and the militia got now? Crossbows, trebuchet, catapults...oh my! See lots of toys for big girls and boys. 11am at the Jousting Arena.
Photo by Ron Nicholson
Militia Tent
James Frank, manager. Rick Herlinger, Rob Slater & Fight Corps. Have you ever wondered what skills it takes to outfit the King's army? How you make bows and arrows? Interested in seeing demonstrations of metal, leather and wood working? Visit the village Militia tent, near the Jousting arena, and see these skills demonstrated. Weapons makers and fight combatants will be available to answer your questions and tell you more about weapons and life in the Tudor times.
Mustardseed & Fractured Fairy's Tales
Join Mustardseed once a day as she shares some of your favorite fables…with a twist! With your help and laughter this not so little fairy will guide you through the stories you loved as a child…well, almost! Folk tales never sounded quite like this! At the Cottage Stage. And you can also find Mustardseed in the pathways of the village. 8/24 - 9/8! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063497015401&show_switched_toast=true
Mystery Play by Happenstance
The creative minds of Happenstance Theater will present a new work created for the Harvest Hollow (October 5th -20th), a celebration of autumn and the spooky season at the Renaissance Festival.
Happenstance Theater co-founders are Mark Jaster and Sabrina Mandell, better known to festival audiences as "O" and LaLa! The full Happenstance company will present the new Mystery Play at the Blackfriars at 5:15pm. October only.
https://www.happenstancetheater.com/
Photo by WAGS Media
Out of the Box Mimes
Cybele Pomeroy, Erin Tarpley, Talis Tighe, Jeremiah Pollack, Liz Richardson. What’s going on? Silent shenanigans in the street! Whether on stilts, blowing fabulous bubbles or fooling around on the ground, Out of the Box is a visual treat. They are sure to delight your eyes and warm your heart in the pathways of Revel Grove. 9/9 - 10/22.
Paolo Garbanzo
Paul Hudert, also known as Paolo Garbanzo, has performed for crowds all over the US and Europe. He's been a member The Flying Karamazov Brothers, earned the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Juggling Association, and performs his shows in three languages. In 2007 he won the International Jester Competition, making him an official Jester of Muncaster Castle in England, and the first American in history to be an official Jester of an English castle. Don't miss his show at the Royal Fox Theatre!
Pee Wee Pirate Show
Ahoy mateys! Captain Jean the Pirate Queen invites all wee lads and lasses to attend the Pee Wee Pirate Show.
An interactive show for all ages - kids are swept out of their seats as they are asked to pantomime hoisting the rigging, swabbing the decks, throwing out fishing nets, and even looking for land. A chance to clap, move, shout and have fun - like all sailors and pirates want to do.
The Pee Wee Pirate Show drops anchor at the Cottage Stage for two weekends only: August 24th & 5th and September 14th & 15th.
Pirate Escape
Pirates are the scourge of the seven seas and the law is clear that they must be hunted down and captured. It’s also clear that we all want to see them escape, to sail again. Horatio Bachsjumpor, aka Captain Nobeard (Matthew Pauli), is always prepared in case he is captured. He will be shackled, chained, and secured in a crate. Can he slip his bonds and escape? at the Lyric Stage. https://matthewpauli.wordpress.com/
Polly Pirates Palooza! (Swords and Shenanigans)
Pirates!... Swordfighting!... Shenanigans!...In an attempt to evade some irate maritime creditors, Grace, Flora and Jack of The Crimson Pirates are now masquerading as The Polly Pirates and keeping a low profile(?) as itinerant storytellers in land-locked Revel Grove. This motley trio of pirates will be storming the Gatehouse Stage three times daily to regale you with piratical stories and flashy swordplay! Will Grace and Jack keep their simmering rivalry under control? Will Flora manage to control the chaos? Will there be sock puppets?! Only your attendance will reveal the startling truth! At the Gatehouse Stage from 8/24 - 9/15.
Featuring Ann Alford, Robin Flanagan, and Dan O'Driscoll.
Photo by Frank Tirrell.
Puke & Snot
Mark Sieve, Scott Jorgenson. One of the longest running and most successful acts in the history of renaissance festivals. Intense wit, flashy swordfights, and organic vegetables: the laughs come in waves, often at racetrack speed. Their comedy owes as much to Abbott and Costello as it does to Avon’s Bard. A gallant romp of hysterical fun. October 5th to October 20th at the Royal Fox Theatre. pukeandsnot.com
The Queen of Hoops
Erin Jeannier is a performer with many circus skills: aerial silks, stilts, fire, and hoop artistry. She'll perform her hoop work in the pathways and stages here in Revel Grove, twirling as many as six hoops at a time on her body, feet, and even her nose! See her at the Globe Theatre.
Reveler's Bower (Living History)
Join Cecily Clack, Arnold Connor, Robert Cooper, Rosamund Wooler, and William Tanner at Reveler's Bower where you can see spinning, weaving, leatherworking and other crafts in action! Learn about period food, dress, and games. There is always something happening at the Bower!
Photo by Kevin Hedgecock
Mike Rose - The History of Mystery
This is not your typical magic show! During the performance you will not only hear about magic and magicians from the past but will see antiquarian magic recreated and performed. Many of the pieces of magic apparatus used in the performance are rare antiques from Mike’s personal collection. It’s a magic show full of historical facts and informational tidbits intertwined with comedy and audience interaction. Daily at the Fortune Stage.
Royal Event: The Closing Ceremony and Royal Farewell
Join the villagers at 6:55pm at the gate to bid the King and Royal Court a final farewell in this brief official closing ceremony.
Royal Event: The Royal Welcome
The Mayor and prominent villagers are on hand to welcome King Henry VIII to Revel Grove and the Harvest Festival. 10:30am at the Gatehouse Stage.
Ses Carny's Double-Edged Daredevils
NEW TO THE FESTIVAL!
Ses Carny's Double-Edged Daredevils showcases the suspenseful awe of live human target knife throwing; all while presented with side-splitting comedy! Ses and his beautiful wife, Crimson Locksley, take the stage for a grand display of bravery, courage, and poor life choices.
Weekends 8/24 - 9/22.
Shakespeare Approves
NEW!
Join your friendly, neighborhood Shakespeare – Renaissance Festival Awards winner Favorite Comedy Act (2021) & Favorite Child-Friendly Act (2018, 2019) – as he takes you on audience-interactive adventures full of merriment: sword fights, mistaken identities, star-cross’d lovers, flying implements of doom, musical numbers, being pursued by a bear, and …death by fluffy kittens! The Shakespearean adventures are zany performances shaped to be fun for everyone! 9/28 - 10/20 at the Gatehouse Stage.
Shakespeare's Skum
“Absolute genius parodies of the Bard’s work” - City Paper. Taking the text from the Bard's greatest plays and adding their own special brand of humor, these thirty minutes adaptations are funny to those unfamiliar with Shakespeare and even funnier to those who know the plays. At the Globe.
Featuring Carolyn Spedden, who is the writer and director too, Liz Demery, Stephon Walker, Steve Wannall.
https://www.facebook.com/shakespearesskum/
STREETspeare
Artistic Director: Carolyn Spedden.
All the world’s a stage, and that is true in Revel Grove. The popular STREETspeare program is back presenting new scenes from Shakespeare and writers going back Seneca and moving ahead to Moliere. Scenes will be performed on the stages and pathways of the village!
Brevity is the soul of wit, so these scenes are all between 4 – 15 minutes in length. Stop by Guest Services (near the front gate) to get the listing of the time and location of the scenes. Theatre fans can even get a game card which will be stamped when you see a scene to prove you are a sophisticated smarty-pants! It's a wonderful way to visit with favorite characters and scenes, or a great introduction to comic or dramatic plays you may not yet know! Note: viewing all scenes can only be done over 2 days.
Sir Real, the Puppet Man
Gabriel Quirk. Gabriel Q is a puppeteer, costume and puppet builder and a variety performer. He has performed for 25 years at major Renaissance Festivals across the country. He has also performed at the Kim Tom Clown festival in Shaghai, China in 2008. For the past 10 years Gabriel has built and performed large puppets for the krewes of Orpheus and Muses for the Marti Gras parades in New Orleans. Performing 9/7 to 10/20.
The Stupina Show
Stupina returns to Revel Grove from 9/14 - 10/20. Find her in the pathways and with her very own show once daily at the Cottage Stage!
Topsy Turvy Show
Lily Hufnagel and Amanda Renaud return with The Topsy Turvy Show - a performance of acrobatics, circus arts, people balancing and more! At the Fortune Stage! Andrew Lesny Photography
The Universe Explained, by Royal Court Astronomer, Dr. Nicholas Kratzer
Presented by John Sadowsky. 9/28 - 10/20 at Reveler’s Bower and Cottage Stage,
Village Court
Presided over by the Justice of the Peace of Oxfordshire, Reginald Waldegrave, this show features unique and completely improvised trials each weekend. The subject matter of this kangaroo court is suggested by the audience. Want to file suit against your partner for leaving the toilet seat up? They’ve tried it. How about suing bees for stinging your dog? They’ve tried that too. Are we allowed to touch art? They’ve passed judgment on that as well, with a verdict that may surprise you.
Vixens En Garde
The Vixens En Garde explore Shakespeare’s iconic male roles with a cheeky, anachronistic, narrative style that revels in the fact that they are smart, powerful, sexy performers who love to fight! The Vixens change the narrative around both Shakespeare and femininity through comical story-telling and powerful swordplay. Performing 8/24 - 9/2 at the Blackfriars Theatre and 10/12,13 at the Market Stage.