You can hear the crowd a mile away, you can smell them from half a mile. The village graveyard is heaving with excited fans. Sweaty peasants straight from the fields jostle to see the showdown between their wrestling heroes, Man Mountain and The Plough.
As the throng roars its support, a ship slips unnoticed into Weymouth harbour. It is carrying a lethal cargo. The year is 1348, and the Black Death has arrived.
As fear of infection takes hold, what will friends risk to save friends? What will battling brothers do to settle their differences before it’s too late?
This hysterically historical tale of plague, pestilence and puns features Shanty’s trademark mix of inventive theatre, original live music, and stories that spring from the myths and history we uncover everywhere we go.
Never has the Black Death been so funny.
Written by Harry Long, directed by Tim Bell and featuring music by Stuart Mcloughlin, ‘A Rat’s Tale’ is Shanty Theatre Company’s third major production, following the success of ‘Smugglers’ and ‘Rebel Harbour’ for the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. Now Shanty are bringing their own brand imaginative stories (not to mention more-than-a few-ukuleles) to Weymouth’s historic Old Town Hall as part of the Spirit of the Sea Maritime Festival.
Shanty’s ensemble cast have extensive experience in innovative theatre, ranging from Eastern Angles, Complicite, and Matthew Bourne to the RSC, the Royal Opera House, and the National Theatre. Music composer Stuart Mcloughlin works extensively with Kneehigh Theatre Company as an actor and musician. Shanty’s artistic directors Harry Long and Tim Bell are at the helm of this year’s production as writer and director.
Shanty started on a beach in the South West. With their roots deeply embedded in the countryside, they tell the stories that make-up the fabric of a place, spring from its history and are wound up in its myths. Through music, dance, puppetry, stupidity and hilarity they investigate rural life.
Here’s what the press said of ‘Rebel Harbour’:
“Family show in which ‘Horrible Histories’ meets ‘Blackadder’”
View from Lyme Regis
“It’s full of quirky humour, derring-do, eccentric characters, great dancing, fine singing, multi-instrumental musicianship and fun…If Shanty continues on this path, the company could well find itself following in the illustrious footsteps of Kneehigh”
Gay Pirrie-Weir, Blackmore Vale Magazine.
Performances
Date |
Daytime |
Evening |
| Saturday 3rd | 2.30 Show | 7.30 Show |
| Sunday 4th | 10-5 Workshop | |
| Monday 5th | 7.30 Show | |
| Tuesday 6th | 7.30 Show | |
| Wednesday 7th | 2.30 Show | 7.30 Show |
| Thursday 8th | 7.30 Show | |
| Friday 9th | 7.30 Show | |
| Saturday 10th | 2.30 Show | 7.30 Show |
| Sunday 11th | 10-5 Workshop | |
| Monday 12th | 7.30 Show | |
| Tuesday 13th | 7.30 Show | |
| Wednesday 14th | 2.30 Show | 7.30 Show |
| Thursday 15th | 7.30 Show | |
| Friday 16th | 7.30 Show |
TICKETS
Tickets are sold at the following outlets.
Old Town Hall :- 10:00am – 4.30pm and 7.:00pm
Weymouth Tourist Information Centre:
Pavilion Theatre, The Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED Open 9:30 – 17:00Tel: 01305 785747
OR Online here:
Ticket stock is limited at each outlet, please try the other outlets if listed as sold out, some tickets may be avialable on the door.
Doors open 30 minutes before each performance.
Concessionary tickets are available to: Under 16 years of age, OAP’s, those in receipt of means tested benefits and students. Proof eligibility must be presented at the venue, if you can’t prove this you will be asked to pay the difference on the door or refused entry, in which case we can’t refund you.
Tickets are non refundable but online tickets are transferable.
For more information about Shanty Theatre Company online:
Listen to our music on myspace:
Review by Sanguine Writers
The downstairs room of the Old Town Hall has been transformed into a theatre with seating on two levels and a stage for this production from Shanty Theatre.
The puppet head teacher calls the audience downstairs ready for the performance. Entering the room evokes a sense of mystery and anticipation. The lights dim and the performance begins and what a performance!
The set consists of four bookcases arrayed with a multitude of props many of which are used with dexterity and aplomb during the performance. The creative use of the bookcases to set the scenes is magical in itself; one minute walls, then a bar and at times a bed, extraordinary. Lighting is also used to great effect and powerfully contributes to building the story and inducing a sense of wonder and fascination.
The five actors move seamlessly from character to character developing the story which begins with the utter denial that the Black Death would or could enter England. Simple costume additions ensure the audience keep track; using long fur collars, top hats and tail coats to represent the rats is inspired. The insightful humour and original songs performed by the cast playing a variety of instruments are captivating and continue the wonder. During the performance there is an excellent mix of audience participation and pure acting which promotes a sense of belonging while being entertained.
As the story unfolds and the inevitable arrival of the Black Death occurs the humour and music continues but tragedy is added with great sensitivity. As with most family friendly productions there is a perfect happy ending. After the performance there is an opportunity to purchase various items including Magic Mike’s Mystical Marmalade.
We highly recommend this performance to all. Children from 5 years upwards will be delighted and enthralled. Adults of all ages have left the Old Town Hall charmed and elated. Some comments include:
“This is good theatre, and we know because we go to theatre performances all over the country!”
“This is just what Weymouth needs; what a fantastic play”
“Wow!”
Sanguine Writers
Words to Widen your World