ENTERTAINMENT & PERFORMANCE
Around the site you will find some of the most talented and vivacious historians, raconteurs and actors sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge about their chosen subjects. Throughout every day of the festival, they will be entertaining you with a blend of storytelling, inclusive hands-on activities and demonstrations.
CONFIRMED FOR 2025
HISTORY’S MAID
Historian and performer Dr Kate Vigurs reveals extraordinary stories of trailblazing women through history, from war correspondents to resisters and secret agents to suffragettes.
HENRY V
On Cue Theatre Company will be bringing Shakespeare to Chalke throughout the festival week with workshops and lively and dynamic performances of Henry V. Be transported back to the Elizabethan period and discover how the Elizabethan players originally performed with minimal rehearsal, no director, and working from cue scripts!
The GUILLOTINE
Our Remaking History team will exploring the gruesome history of execution as they attempt torecreate an eighteenth-century guillotine. Discover how technology and craftsmanship drastically changed crime and punishment, and witness the guillotine in action (no watermelon is safe).
FOREIGN FIELD
Paul Bavill, Rory Ware and Kyle Glover are three hugely talented costumed historical interpreters who will be demonstrating martial skills, dark crimes and hidden heroics in a mix of history that stretches from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. From 15th-century armoured combat to the artful techniques of Victorian self-defence, don’t miss their unique blend of action, education, and comedy.
THE HISTORY MAKER
1830, Russia wants to invade India, Britain wants to invade Russia, from India; Tibet stands between them as an inscrutable, but vast no-man’s land. Actor, writer, and fight choreographer Adam Schuch-des Forges is transformed into the incomparable Major-General (Dishonourably Discharged), Bishop (De-frocked), Poncenby VainenSchuch-des Forges O. B. E. (Forefeited).
Don’t miss this roller-coaster, boots on the ground account of Britain’s real, warts and all struggle with Russia, for the allegiance of the Forbidden Country of Tibet, by a genuine, British hero, inspiration, roll-model, convicted felon, National disgrace and and personal embarrassment to her majesty Queen Victoria, with added monkeys and often without trousers.
RATTLEBOX THEATRE
Back by popular demand! Created by actor and performer Dave Oliver, Rattlebox Theatre brings stories to life through captivating storytelling and dynamic puppetry. In ‘The Legends of Robin Hood’, Rattlebox Theatre bring the legends of Robin Hood to life through dynamic puppetry, colourful acting, and live music on medieval instruments. With comedy and derring-do, this is fun for all ages.
