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. From August 26th to September 24 at Reveler's Bower join Matthew Pauli and Liz Bragg for an up-close and personal 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 at 2pm in the Jousting Field. 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 9/9 - 9/24.
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 9/30 & 10/1 at the Gatehouse Stage and judge his poor life choices for yourself! https://bad-ideas-entertainment.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
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. At Reveler's Bower.

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

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.

Children's Sing Along

Wee lads and lasses are invited to join an interactive kid's sing-along at the Cottage Stage with vagabonds Moll Firth (Julia Link), Mal Rose (Holly Gibbs) and Nan Rash (Katie Rey Bogdan). Directed by Stephanie Phelan. Daily at the Cottage Stage. Aimed for children ages 2 - 6 accompanied by their caring adult.

Photo by Katie Field.

Conundrum, street puzzler

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

Doc Volz's Magic & Medicine Show

NEW this season! Larry "Doc" Volz is a world champion magician winning the International Brotherhood of Magician's "People's Choice" award at the 2000 International Convention and stage magic competition. He has performed on television with Penn & Teller and Lance Burton, opened for Randy Travis, performed at colleges and clubs all over the nation, was featured on the top two episodes of the top rated television show in Japan and spent 10 years on cruise ships entertaining with magic. See Doc Volz for two weekends only - 8/26 - 9/4 on the Fortune Stage.

https://magiccomedian.net/index.html

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 for all weekends except 9/2, 3, 4. 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

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.

https://hollywoodtogo.com/

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!" 10:45am 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. Discover more about the weapons, bow making, and leather working at their Militia tent by the joust field.
Fight demonstrations:
Near the Chapel and axe throw game:
12:30pm: Pike Drill & quarterstaff.
1:30pm: Sword and shield.

At the Jousting Field:
5:30pm: Longsword

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. A Fool Named "O" has endeared himself to Festival audiences for over 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 will be in Revel Grove from 8/26 - 10/1.

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

Daniel Greenwolf: Celtic Magic

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. See them at the Royal Fox Theatre from 8/26 - 10/1. They move to the Blackfriars and will perform there from 10/7 - 10/22!
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 26th to September 24th 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 October 7th - 22nd!
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 23rd & 24th 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 26th & 27th. 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. 4pm at the Lyric Stage.

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.
See a flight demonstration at the Jousting field at 11am, 1pm, and 4pm.

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. 11:30am & 5pm 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.

Lynx's Sword Swallowing Show

NEW this season!

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!

http://www.thelynxshow.com/

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!" 9/9 - 10/01 on the Fortune Stage.
https://themartikashow.com/

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Sir John Falstaff arrives in Windsor short of funds, so he decides to woo two wealthy married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page. He sends the women identical love letters. The women are most certainly not interested in the ageing Falstaff as a suitor and plan to gain revenge on him for his indecent proposals!

Themes of love and marriage, social class and wealth, jealousy and revenge are found in this comic romp featuring one of Shakespeare's most beloved characters - Falstaff.

Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor is adapted for the Festival by Mike Field. Directed by Keegan Cassady. Featuring Emily Karol as Mistress Ford, Marissa Chaffee as Mistress Page, Steven Hoochuk as Master Ford, and Amy Heller as Falstaff.

On the Globe at 12:30pm.

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! 11am at the Gatehouse Stage and at 1pm at the Cottage Stage. 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, 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. 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? 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 8/26 - 9/24.
Featuring Ann Alford, Robin Flanagan, and Dan O'Driscoll.
Photo by Frank Tirrell.

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 at 11:30am & 1pm 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. 3pm at the Globe Theatre.
Musical Accompaniment by Gary Schwartz, Ayal Yariv.

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! 4:30pm 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 at 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm. 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/

StoryTyme in the Grove, hosted by Page After Page

Special stories for young lads and lasses on some very special weekends at the Cottage Stage!
Presented by Page After Page. For Ages 2-6 years old with caring adult.

STREETspeare

Artistic Director: Carolyn Spedden.
Managing Director: Erin Riley.
Scene directors: Charles Boyington, Erin Branigan, Keegan Cassady, Randy Dalmas, Kaitlyn Fowler, Emma Hooks, Mary Ann Jung, Emily Karol, Steven Kirkpatrick, Tony Korol-Evans, Dan O'Driscoll, Erin Riley, Michele G. Schultz, Randy Snight, Stephanie Phelan, Tom Plott.

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 September 10th to October 23rd.

http://gabrielq.com/

The Town Fop

The Company of Women present Aphra Behn's The Town Fop.

From Webster's dictionary: Fop - a foolish or silly person. A man who is devoted to or vain about his appearance or dress.

Join Sir Timothy Tawdrey, the fop in question, and a host of memorable characters in this comedy about love entanglements, arranged marriages, love thwarted and love gained. This 50 minute adaptation of Aphra Behn's play will be performed once daily at the Gatehouse Stage by the festival's Company of Women. Directed by Robin Flanagan. Assistant Director: Kaitlyn Fowler. Adapted and original material by Carolyn Spedden

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. 2:45pm at the 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

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 Hunters of the Unruly Dead (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.
Actors: Charles Boyington, Steven Kirkpatrick.

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.