Medieval goes modern

After 40 years of touring theatre across the East of England, this spring Eastern Angles is reigniting the region’s buzzing 15th century theatre scene with Medieval Miracles.

This double bill of one-act plays promises to bring double the devils, double the tricks, and double the fun to venues across East Anglia this spring.

“East Anglia was the Broadway or West End of the 15th Century English theatre” once said a stage historian, and Eastern Angles have picked two of its biggest hits to stand centre stage in their 2023 spring tour. Speaking about the show, co-writer and Director Ivan Cutting said, “This was popular theatre at its best when people watched and laughed at sometimes quite shocking tales of contemporary scandal and daring new versions of traditional biblical myths”.

First up, The Trails of Mary & Joseph, it’s the Nativity story but not as you know it. And then there’s Mankind, the country’s most popular comedy of the 1490’s, retold as a boisterous story of a climate conscious young man tempted by three mischievous devils to leave his allotment and behave very badly.

With live music, comic twists and a sense of ridiculous, Eastern Angles bring two very old plays right up to date.

With performances in theatres, community centres and village halls across the East of England from 16th March to 20th May, Medieval Miracles is sure to be coming to a venue near you this spring.

To find out more and book your tickets visit www.easternangles.co.uk or phone the Eastern Angles Box Office on 01473 211498.

Choir are delighted to have him as patron of their Bach Passion Cycle. Mark says, “It is some of the greatest music ever written: there is such richness in the writing. Bach heard the John Passion only four times, each time making revisions to the score. It’s not just beautiful music but a meditation on suffering. Our job is to communicate the ideas behind the piece and to capture that in live performance. Alongside the drama of the passion, Bach’s wonderful music offers comfort and solace.”

With Ipswich Chamber Choir, conductor Benedict Collins Rice, and International performers The Geldart Ensemble and soloists from Amici Voices.

The Geldart Ensemble leader Rachel Stroud

Rachel Ambrose Evans Soprano

Helen Charlston Alto (BBC New Generation Artist)

Oscar Golden Lee Tenor

Edmund Saddington Bass

Rachel Stroud, “I’m hugely looking forward to this performance. We are arranging to borrow viola d’amores to play one unique aria in the St John which should be very special - it’s not often performed on original instruments as they’re quite rare.”

Amici Voices’ Oscar Golden Lee returns after his wonderful storytelling as evangelist in ICC’s St Mark Passion last March as does sonorous bass Edmund Saddington. Ipswich Chamber Choir will welcome soprano Rachel and alto Helen for their first visit to them for what the Choir feels will be a very special evening.

St John Passion takes place on Saturday 25th March at 7pm at St Mary-leTower Church Ipswich. Pre-concert supper and parking available. For more information visit www.ipswichchamberchoir.org.uk

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