STAGE, STREET ACTS & ROYAL COURT EVENTS

Absolutely Nothing

Classical actor, brilliant physical comedian, and gifted puppeteer Matthew Pauli…and Daisy…join forces for a show which delivers on its promise- it guarantees you ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Start your day at Revel Grove at 10:30am at the Gatehouse Stage with Matthew Pauli and Liz Demery Bragg in this audience interactive show guaranteed to…well, guaranteeing nothing actually. But we think it will tickle your funny bone (for sure!) and quite possibly warm your heart. (Possibly, but extremely doubtful.)

https://www.facebook.com/Absolutely-Nothing-435321176519366

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 in the Jousting Field, once daily. http://www.period-productions.com/

An Audience With The King

His Majesty keeps a busy man and sometimes it is hard for patrons to find the King in Revel Grove. Here is your opportunity to meet the King and members of his court. Perhaps get a picture, or have His Majesty offer congratulations for a special occasion - say Happy Birthday to a special person, or congratulate the newly betrothed. Find the King and members of his Court at Reveler's Bower at 11:30am. (Please note: Due to the King's busy schedule, he must depart at 11:50am)

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 9/10 - 9/25.
https://barelybalanced.com/

Beale Street Puppets

NEW this season!
Beale Street Puppets is a professional touring puppet company that has been performing across the United States and internationally since 1988. Every Beale Street Puppet is handcrafted - built and designed by their professional puppeteers. As special guests for Children’s Weekend, Beale Street Puppets will present Fairy Caravan, a fantasy land of gnomes, fairies, wizards, and elves! August 27th & 28th only at the Gatehouse Stage.

https://www.bealestreetpuppets.com/

Cakes & Ale. Food and Drink in Tudor England

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 daily.
https://www.facebook.com/CakesandAles/

Casks & Flasks

Tony Korol-Evans, Mark Allen

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. Daily at Reveler's Bower.

https://www.facebook.com/aklasseakte/

Conundrum, street puzzler

Todd Brown. Conundrum will confound you with amazing tricks and puzzles. Encounter his magic in the pathways.

The Danger Committee

Jason "Other One" LeMay, Mick "Bald Guy" Lunzer, Caleb "Reynaldo" McEwan. Their unique blend of the hilarious and the dangerous while performing unbelievable feats of skill has made The Danger Committee one of the most talked about acts in the country. October 8th - 23rd at Blackfriar's Theatre.
www.thedangercommittee.com

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 from August 27th to September 25th. 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 and Boars Head Tavern . http://www.liesofbrian.com/

Don Quixote

New! 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. 10/1 – 10/23 only.

https://hollywoodtogo.com/

Eastward Ho!

NEW play this season!

Eastward Ho! and Westward Ho! were the cries of the waterman on the Thames telling prospective customers which directing they were headed. You had to go eastward on the Thames to get to the ocean and then across to the New World!

This comedy is a satire on London life, focusing on Master Touchstone (played by Fred Nelson, aka King Henry VIII), a goldsmith who utters one of the first theatrical catch phrases, "Work upon that now!", his two daughters and two apprentices. One daughter is a silly social climber. One is modest and proper. One apprentice is a rogue, one an upstanding young man. Add additional characters including neighborhood gossips, a moneylender, and a knight with castles in the air - and you have a fast-paced, engaging comedy.

The Acting Company performs this rarely produced city comedy by Ben Jonson, John Marston & George Chapman. This 55 minute adaptation is by Carolyn Spedden. Directed by Steven Kirkpatrick. Dramaturg: Mike Field. Stage Manager: Lauren Engler. Assistant Stage Manager: Sarah McCarthy. Performed at 1:30pm at the Gatehouse Stage.

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!" 11am daily at Reveler's Bower. https://www.facebook.com/LiesOfBrian/

Famous Death Scenes with Nobeard and Gwendolyn

Matthew Pauli, Nicole Skelly. Returning Festival regulars Captain Nobeard and Gwendolyn team up for a completely new, 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

Fight Corps: The Village Militia

Fight Corps, directed by Tom Plott. Fight Choreographers: James Frank, Tom Plott, Geoff Thompson. Fight Corps members are actors/stage combatants who play members of the village militia. Don't miss their demonstrations in the Joust Field, or discover more about the weapons, bow making, and leather working at their Militia tent by the joust field.

A Fool Named 'O' and 'LaLa'

Mark Jaster- A Fool named "O", Sabrina Mandell-"LaLa". Family-friendly physical antics and classic knock-about comedy. A Fool Named "O" has endeared himself to Festival audiences forover 20 years. "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

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!

https://www.garbanzojuggling.com/

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. She visited Revel Grove for a limited run last year. This year she is performing for the full season!

https://www.facebook.com/gingerwhims/

Daniel Greenwolf: Celtic Magic

NEW this season!
Celtic Magic combines magic, theatrical storytelling, quick-witted comedy, and a few death-defying feats with the beauty of Irish culture to create a unique theatrical experience. Starring illusionists Daniel GreenWolf & Bella GreenWolf.
Special guest performers for Myth & Magic Weekend. See them on the Fortune Stage on September 24th & 25th only!
https://www.celticmagicshow.com/

The Gwendolyn Show

One half of the popular Steele Sisters comedy sword fighting 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/

Hey Nunnie Nunnie

Peals of laughter ring like convent bells as the unconventional Mother Redempta and the mischievous, ukulele wielding, Sister Philomena Claire take to the stage in a dazzling display of improvisational and comedic escapades. Attendance is expected from August 27th to September 25th at the Lyric Stage.

https://www.facebook.com/heynunnienunnie/

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 in October!
https://www.hilby.net/

Hypnosis - Bob

See the Hypnosis show. See the Hypnosis show. See the Hypnosis Show. With Bob. Special guest on Myth & Magic weekend, September 24th & 25th only. At the Globe. At the Globe. At the Globe.

Jacques Ze Whipper

NEW this season!

Dashing Danger With A French Twist!

One weekend only! Tik Tok sensation Jacques Ze Whipper will perform at the Blackfriars Theatre August 27th & 28th. Don't miss him!

https://www.jackthewhipper.com/

King Midas and the Golden Touch

Lucy Locket (Stephanie Phelan) tells the tale of King Midas who was granted a wish for a golden touch. But maybe it isn't always good to have wishes come true! Children of all ages will be enchanted by this interactive show.

https://www.steffio.biz/fizzical-fairytales

Knightwings Birds of Prey

NEW this season!
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.

Knightwings is thrilled to be part of the Maryland Renaissance Festival this season.

https://oneworldraptor.org/

Dr. Nicholas Kratzer’s Time and Space

We are privileged to have a visit by Dr. Nicholas Kratzer, Royal Astronomer in the Court of King Henry, to present the latest understanding and scientific instruments for exploring the heavens and telling the time, at least as of 1534. Dr. Kratzer is a reader in mathematics at Oxford, a noted inventor of portable time pieces, and a wonderfully entertaining intellectual in the inner circle of advisors in the Court. He will be presenting two shows daily at the Gatehouse Stage in October, “The Universe According to Nicholas,” about the structure of the heavens and how we know what we know, and “In the Nick of Time,” about keeping and telling time here in the sixteenth century. He will demonstrate the latest instruments and tools of his trade and will even show you how you can make some of them at home. Fun and educational, and there might be puppets! Presented by John Sadowsky. The month of October at Reveler’s Bower.

Lancelot the Bald

A world class juggler, Lancelot (Guy Collins) walks on ropes, rides unicycles, and makes mischievous magic. From MD Theatre Guide: “Lancelot can spin plates from his mouth and on the horns of a Viking helmet, balance atop a rolling cylinder made to look like a ship, and walk on a tightrope held up by a team of volunteers from the audience. This performer is sharp, witty, and never short on energy. " Catch his performance at the Lyric Stage in October.
https://www.groovyguyshow.com/

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. Twice daily at the Fortune Stage.
https://www.lessmoore.com/

The London Broil

A charming and innovative mix of free-flow comedy and fantastic team juggling. AJ, Louie and Matt have performed thousands of shows together nationwide since 1999. Three different shows: “Blades of Fury”, “Juggling well Done” and “Lets Loose” where nothing is planned and anything goes! See them at the Royal Fox Theatre from August 27th to September 25th. Visit them at www.thelondonbroilshow.com.

The Magnificent Lefty

New! Special guest for Myth & Magic weekend: the Magnificent Lefty, who provides an entertaining and engaging stunt show full of laughs, audience interaction, and some shock value! Lefty’s tricks include magic and sideshow stunts. Rated PG. See him on the Gatehouse Stage and Boar’s Head Tavern, September 24th & 25th only!

https://www.facebook.com/magnificentlefty/?ref=py_c

Martika: One Woman Stunt Show

NEW this season!
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!" 8/27 - 9/11 on the Gatehouse Stage.
https://themartikashow.com/

Mythic Madness

NEW this season!
The powerful sorceress, Minerva, is here to demonstrate her mastery of the arts martial and magical. She is accompanied by an unwilling assistant: her human-bound fae-spirit, Mythos. This swords and sorcery show, which definitely doesn’t fund a plot to take over the world, is fun for humans of all ages and magical creatures of every persuasion. Watch this disastrous duo unleash their weapons of wood, steel, and magic upon each other in a fight for power and vengeance. Two weekends only, September 17th - 25th at Gatehouse Stage.

Militia Mayhem!

What's Nymblewyke and the militia got now? Crossbows, trebuchet, catapults...oh my! See lots of toys for big girls and boys. 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! Daily at the Gatehouse Stage and Crooked Cottage. And you can also find Mustardseed in the pathways of the village! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063497015401&show_switched_toast=true

Out of the Box Mimes

Cybele Pomeroy, Erin Tarpley, Talis Tighe. 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. September 10th to October 23rd.

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? 11am daily 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! 4 weekends only at the Gatehouse Stage from October 1st to October 23rd. Featuring Ann Alford, Robin Flanagan, and Dan O'Driscoll.

https://www.crimsonpirates.com/PollyPiratesPalooza/

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 8th to October 23rd 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 twice daily at the Globe Theatre.

The Queen's Singers : A Royal W(h)ine

Stephanie Phelan, music director. Even royalty needs to vent sometimes! The Queen's Singers show their real feelings in a Royal W(h)ine fest; a bit of song and scuttlebutt. Daily at the Globe Theatre.

Richard III performed by The Company of Women

NEW this season!
Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this sun of York;
And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.

And thus begins Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Richard III. Join The Company of Women for this sixty minute adaptation of Shakespeare's great tragedy. Performed daily at 12pm at the Globe Theatre. Emily Karol plays Richard III. This production is adapted by John Sadowsky. Directed by Erin Riley. Assistant Director: Mary Wakefield. Dramaturg: Tony Korol-Evans. Fight Director: Robin Flanagan. Associate Fight Director and Intimacy Director: Dan O'Driscoll. Music by Donna Korn. Stage Manager: Mary Wakefield. Assistant Stage Manager: Aitana Garrison.

Photo by Keith Heffner.

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! Once daily at the Lyric Stage.

https://www.facebook.com/Dashrippington

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. 3:30pm daily at the Fortune Stage.

https://mikerosemagic.com/

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 Show: A Wake of Vultures

NEW courtly drama!
The King impatiently waits for a signal so he can be betrothed to his love, Jane Seymour. Marring this happy occasion is the signal itself- cannon fire that marks the execution of the King’s second wife, Anne Boleyn.

Courtiers scramble for a position in the soon-to-be Queen’s court. Others hope to gain riches at the expense of the gentlemen recently executed along with the former queen. And Jane herself ponders her future while the specter of Anne Boleyn hovers- is that figuratively or literally?

4:30pm daily at the Globe Theatre.

Royal Event: The Royal Welcome

Sir Richard Mondes, Mayor, his wife the Baroness Marney, and prominent villagers are on hand to welcome King Henry VIII to Revel Grove and the Harvest Festival. 11:15am at the Globe Theatre.

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.

This season the Skummers will perform their classic Richard III: Just Misunderstood; their tragically ridiculous, smartly funny - and dare we say sophisticated? (no) - Antony & Cleopatra; and for some unknown reason the constantly requested by Skummy fans, so much so they wore us down and against our better judgement we present, a brand new Shakespeare’s Skum in Jeopardy. At the Globe Theatre. Don't say you weren't warned. Featuring Carolyn Spedden, who is the writer and director too, Liz Demery, Stephon Walker, Steve Wannall.
https://www.facebook.com/shakespearesskum/

Squire of the Wire

Michael Rosman returns with his Squire of the Wire comedy/variety skills show, featuring comedy and stunts on a wire directly above the audience. Don’t miss his performance on the Royal Stage, October 1st & 2nd only!

https://michaelrosman.com/

Daniel Stuart- HEEDLESS SINS OF GODS & MEN. A Lyrical Epic

Join author and artisan Daniel Aaron Stuart as he unfurls his latest epic tale. A poetic allegory that reaches into our shadows to reveal the dragons hidden underneath. This recitation will take you on a lyrical journey through lands conquered by men, walked by gods, imbued with magic, and soaked with blood. A reflective telling not intended for children, but rather, the adult who wishes to experience the distant echo of tales told by the tribal fire. Come to be enchanted. Leave with a story you’ll want to share. Allow 20 minutes for the telling. Illustrated books will be available for purchase. daily at Reveler's Bower.

STREETspeare

Artistic Director: Carolyn Spedden.
Managing Director: Erin Riley.

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 his contemporaries. Scenes will be performed in the pathways, at Reveler’s Bower, The Gatehouse Stage, Fortune Stage, and the mighty Globe itself!

Brevity is the soul of wit, so these scenes are all between 4 – 15 minutes in length. Stop by Customer Service 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 September 10th to October 23rd.

http://gabrielq.com/

Tiny Girl, Big Show!

Stahr Power Presents: Tiny Girl, Big Show!

Step right up and see the NEW one-woman extravaganza that's wowing audiences across the shire!

With charm and sparkle to spare, this award-winning, pint-sized powerhouse packs a punch. She twists her body into ridiculous positions, then adds a whip, a unicycle, knife juggling, and a bow & arrow held between her (pedicured) toes. Don’t miss Stahr Power’s crazy combination of circus skills that will leave you laughing on the edge of your seat! October 22nd & 23rd only!

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

https://www.topsyturvyshow.com/

Tricorn Tales with Compass Rose

Tricorn Tales with Compass Rose is an interactive pirate adventure full of tunes and tales of the high seas! After forming a pirate crew, sail through a dark and stormy night, meet a navigating seagull, and wash up on a desert island where a treasure is sure to be found. Perfect for junior pirates and seasoned sea dogs alike. At the Crooked Cottage Stage (near the Wee Ones' Play Area.) Photo by Kevin Hedgecock.

https://donnakornmusic.com/tricorn-tales-with-compass-rose
https://www.facebook.com/tricorntales

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 at the Market Stage all weekends EXCEPT 9/10,11 & 10/22,23.