Date/Time
Wed 01/05/2024
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
These in-character performances are designed to enliven and illuminate our cultural heritage through the power of research and storytelling, and took place at special sites of significance across the landscape.
TICKETS: Cranborne Chase Tales – Characters of the Chase Registration, Wed 1 May 2024 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
This May, we are excited to bring you a very special evening, where each of the characters will come to life on the same time at the very special Ancient Technology Centre in Cranborne.
Tony Horitz
General Pitt-Rivers, Victorian Archaeologist
Michelle O’Brien
Mrs Maria Ridout of Coombe Bissett and the Coombe Express
Tim Lowe
George Chafin Esq, MP, and owner of Chettle House
Sara Hurley
Mrs Isaac Gulliver, 18thC free trader, and wife to a notorious smuggler
Lizzie Bryant
Queen Matilda, wife to William the Conqueror
If you missed our previous performances, this is your chance to meet these fascinating historical figures as they bring the world they lived in alive.
Drawn by the powers of art and history – and maybe the local Ley Lines? – five remarkable characters from a thousand years of Cranborne Chase’s colourful history will appear at the same time and place to commune with each other – and with you, the audience!
You will be welcomed to the magical setting of the Earthouse at the Ancient Technology Centre in Cranborne, a timeless venue for storytelling and wonder, by General Augustus Henry Lane Fox (latterly known as General Pitt-Rivers), Victorian archaeologist and philanthropist.
In the spirit of his Larmer Tree Gardens, which provided regular free entertainment and education for the masses, ‘The General’ will introduce some of the other worthies of the Chase – including the fellow Victorian Carrier of Coombe Bissett, Mrs Maria Rideout and George Chaffin, Esq, MP and owner of Chettle House; 18th century ‘Free Trader’ and Property Owner, Mrs Isaac Gulliver, (nee Beale) wife to Isaac Gulliver and, last but not least, the Norman Queen, Matilda, wife to William The Conqueror.
This in-character event is portrayed by a cast of distinguished regional performers and storytellers; Lizzie Bryant, Michele O’Brien, Sara Hurley, Tim Lowe and Tony Horitz.
Recommeded for adults and children age 12+, all children must be accompanied.
This event has been organised by the Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership. To be the first to hear about our future events, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://cranbornechase.org.uk/newsletters/
Funding for the Chase & Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme comes from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thank you to National Lottery players for making our work possible.