Shows
Thank you for 20 years of revelry!
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BACK for Three Weekends Only – Manly Men in Tights!
Laughter, Steel & Sex Appeal! In honor of our 20th Anniversary, the return of Faire’s legendary hit show. Join these masters of the sword as they duel with steel and wit and teach other ‘Manly Men’ how they too, can master the art.
Three times daily on the Main Royal Garden Stage, Sept 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29.
Rhyme Nor Reason
A show of Bardic Bedlam! All the world’s a stage, and Willingtown’s elite acting troupe The Merely Players take that seriously. But Willingtown is a long way from the stages of London, as renown Shakespearean actor Ned Alleyn is about to find out. Will this workshop prove the show is to be, or not to be? Join us for a wild ride through the works of ‘the bard himself’ as The Merely Players ‘attempt’ William Shakespeare’s “The Scottish Play.”
Three times daily on the Royal Garden Main Stage
Cy the Sword Swallower
Three weekends only! A man of skill, a man of danger and some would say…a complete lunatic. Cy is a master of the blade. Witness him swallow a whole armory of swords of different shapes and sizes ranging from the smallsword to the curved scimitar. No two shows are the same. With variety, wit and audience participation, Cy will thrill you and leave you wanting more.
Four times daily on the Main Royal Garden Stage, Oct 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20.
The Queen’s Royal Reception
The Villagers are beside themselves preparing for a visit from their beloved Sovereign. The revels are prepared and Willingtown’s first family is ready and eager to greet Her Most Royal Majesty. Romance and intrigue are waiting in the wings.
2:00PM on the Main Royal Garden Stage.
BACK! The Mermaid Tavern Show
The naughtiest show in the shire returns after a short hiatus. The lovely, lusty wenches from the wrong side of town bring their bawdy songs and unforgiving humor to The Salty Siren Stage. Located in the Dockside Alley for adults 21 and over, these musical Mermaids invite you to grab an ale and sit a spell while they playfully ponder life on the driest docks in Derbyshire.
Appearing at the Dockside Ally on the Salty Siren Stage, three times daily. 21 and Over.
Dirty Laundry
Wet dirty women and good clean fun is what this show is all about. These hilarious wenches will teach the unsuspecting a thing or two about cleaning up their acts and how to dish dirt with the best of them.
Three times daily on the Amethyst Arbor Stage.
Willy Nilly – Dungeons & Shakespeare
The greatest characters from Shakespeare face the horrific monsters of Dungeons & Dragons. Each performance is a unique and sweeping tale, the course of which is determined by the choices of the audience and the roll of giant dice. All the world’s a game…Come be a player!
Four times daily on the Amethyst Arbor Stage.
BRooN
With a wit drier than a desert, Broon will have you giggling all day. He’s a comedian with a juggling problem. He doesn’t really eat fire to impress the crowds, he just likes the taste of kerosene.
Four times daily on the Romany Camp Stage
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Two weekends only! The Merry Wives of Windsor return to Willingtown to serve up saucy songs of drinking, love, and what happens when the two combine. With a blend of original tunes and traditional melodies with their own lyrical twist, the Wives have delighted audiences for over 20 years all across the country.
Appearing on The Romany Camp Stage, Oct 12, 13, 19 & 20.
The Sea Dogs
What do you do with a drunken sailor? These legendary masters of maritime music answer that age old question in song. Ever dreamed of learning a sea shanty? This is your chance! The Sea Dogs practically invented them.
Twice daily on The Salty Siren Stage and also on The Coughing Sheep Stage.
The Minstrels of Misrule
This lusty band of worldly London notables and their hapless hangers-on from the countryside will have you entranced and in stitches with their roaring, bawdy musical tales and witty ruminations on the meaning of life, itself: they play, they drink, they play again, and one never knows what might happen next!
Appearing daily on the Coughing Sheep Stage.
The Rules of the Duel
Three weekends only! Join the swashbuckling swordsmen of the Albion School of Defense as they show off their sharp blades and not so sharp wit for your amusement and pleasure. Witness their exploits of derring-do. When words just aren’t enough and honor must be satisfied, you’ll need the Rules of the Duel! For Honor, Glory and applause, of course.
Two times daily on the Main Royal Garden Stage, Oct 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20.
Blame the Whiskey
Hide the liquor and lock up the beer: Blame the Whiskey is here! Singing songs of the rebellious Erin’s Isle, these Irish rogues will capture your hearts. Let the driving melodies and intricate harmonies of these loveable outlaws move you.
Performing four times daily on the Salty Siren Stage at The Dockside Alley and alongside the wenches of the Mermaid Tavern.
The Merry Larks
The Merry Larks will delight you with their toe-tapping tunes of country life and festive falderal! Join these musical merrymakers as they share songs of birds, belles, and beer.
Three times daily on the Coughing Sheep Stage.
Jared Rock Renaissance Music
Hear the sweetest of melodies dancing through the air! Jared Rock plucks and strums his lute, performing some of the earliest music printed in England.
Three times daily on the Storybook Stage.
How to Audition for Shakespeare
Ever wanted to be a part of the works of Shakespeare? Here’s your chance to work with Ned Alleyn, Shakespeare’s most prominent actor in this unscripted, interactive opportunity to discuss the Bard’s plays or step on stage and perform. Script scenes can be provided or prepared monologues are welcome as well. Ned will help guide aspiring performers to prepare for the stage. All ages welcome!
On the Storybook Stage Daily.
Pye Powder Court
Seeking justice? The court is in session! Come watch the local riff raff exasperate the judge with their petty squabbles and chaotic antics in the hilarious and bawdy faire classic, Pye Powder Court.
Appearing at the Dockside Ally on the Salty Siren Stage, once daily. 21 and Over.
A Fairy’s Tale
Sit with Willingtown’s resident storyteller, as she spins tales of fairies, witches, trolls and more. Nathalie’s stories are full of magic and wonder and are perfect for young children, children at heart and everyone in between.
Three times daily on the Storybook Stage
Shelly the Fiddler
Enjoy lively country dance tunes from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Fun for the whole family! Dance around the hay bales, request a jig, get inspired to join the music, fall in love with the lilt, toast to the merriment! Let your heart be light with the music of the times.
Twice daily on the Coughing Sheep Stage and once on the Storybook Stage.
Equine Show
The Royal Equine Guild presents their rare collection of exquisite Gypsy horses and other magnificent breeds from across the land to Her Majesty the Queen.
Just prior to each joust, at 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30.
The Queen’s Royal Joust
Armed with lances, swords and shields, the Queen’s Royal Joust presents sword fighting, and games of skill for Her Majesty’s pleasure. The Joust features an experienced and professional team of Knights that collectively have been entertaining the masses for decades. Crossing lances is only the beginning of the fun and excitement this group delivers.
Enjoy the Queen’s Tournament of Games at 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and watch the Knights compete for the title of Champion.
Last Call
Come set a spell with the residents of Willingtown as they ring out the day in song. The Sea Dogs, The Naughty Minstrels and friends share laughter, ale and songs of revelry.