Abbey and beyond for new Henry I play

APLAY taking place in the very venue that events unfolded hundreds of years earlier will go on tour this summer.

RABBLE Theatre is to perform Henry I in the Reading Abbey Ruins in June.

The historic site was founded by the monarch as he sought atonement for his ruthless reign. It is thought he was buried in the ruins.

And after the 22-date performance run, RABBLE will be taking the show to Winchester’s Great Hall, and then to Covent Garden in London.

The Great Hall was founded by Henry’s father William the Conquerer.

After a rogue arrow had put an end to the life of Henry’s brother, King William, Henry leapt on a horse and sprinted to Winchester where he seized the crown.

The play will be performed here between July 12 and 15.

Toby Davies, Co-Artistic Director, RABBLE Theatre, said: “It is an honour for us all at RABBLE to be taking Henry I to this magnificent heritage site and we’d like to thank the teams at both Theatre Royal Winchester and Hampshire County Council who have worked tirelessly to make this special production possible.”

Then, the troupe will perform at St Paul’s, known as the Actors’ Church. Famous actors are remembered on plaques in the church’s interior, actors and stage crew have held their burial services here for years.

The show will be performed from July 20-22.

Hal Chambers, the show’s director said: “Henry I is an energetic, bold and thrilling modern history play and we’re looking forward to performing in this beautiful location, in the heart of London.” n For more details, or to book, log on to: rabbletheatre.com

But first is the performances in Reading, which take place between June 13 and July 1.

The play starts after the death of William the Conqueror.

Henry’s desire is the crown, and power, as the king of England. But to get there, there must be a scramble for power between him and his brother.

RABBLE says anticipation is growing for the performances of the Beth Flintoff’s play of power, forgiveness and royal ambitions.

“To be exporting culture from Reading is a very positive step for our town and to be invited to perform in these two remarkable locations is a real privilege,” says Dani Davies, Co-Artistic Director, RABBLE Theatre.

THE GO! Team returned to the stage in Reading for their first show in the town for 15 years when they performed at Sub89 last month.

The show started with Baba Ali, a two-piece outfit whose sound was laced with 80s-tinged synth with the aesthetic to match.

The lead singer’s resonant vocals were well-matched with the band’s strippeddown aesthetic in an instantly danceable set full of hooky anthems.

When The Go! Team took to the stage, Wokingham-born songwriter Ian Parton was flanked by five fellow band mates.

The band kicked off in their usual style, barrelling straight into high-energy performances of some of the hits from their 20-year career.

Major songs of the band’s Mercury Prize-nominated first album came thick and fast, including Ladyflash, Huddle Formation, and Get It Together.

Sea Between Us, Gemini, and Key to the City rapidly followed before The Power is On seemed to close the show.

The band returned swiftly, however, to play a one-two punch of an encore with the breakout hit from their latest album, Whammy-O, and Tornado.

Overall, The Go! Team showed that not only is their lyrical and musical composition as fresh as it ever has been, but also that their performing talent, multiinstrumentalist capabilities, and dynamism on stage has never left them.

JAKE CLOTHIER