Following successful performances by The Common Lot in July 2016, Simon Floyd along with a fine cast and crew is retelling the story of the summer in 1549 – The Story of Kett’s Rebellion.

Imagine around 16,000 people setting up camp on Mousehold Heath, each one of them angry about the same thing: enclosure.  Common land was being fenced off by landlords for their own private use, rather than shared for the benefit of all in the community.  During the opening number we’re told “that far and wide, the rich decide; the many serve the few.”

Brought up to date with the latest political satire, Karl Minns and Simon Floyd have a production that doesn’t only educate the audience about “this common land palaver” but gives the audience ample opportunity to draw their own comparisons between the events of 1549 and contemporary issues.

The energetic five-strong cast will guide you through six weeks of the rebellion while quite literally wearing several different hats.  Thomas Codd, the Mayor of Norwich (Paul Preston Mills) is an interesting character, but what were his priorities in public office, and did he have the people’s best interests at heart?  The Story Teller (Eve Pandolfi) keeps the pace of the performance but is also the Deputy Mayor, Ms. Augustine Steward, trying her best to offer sage advice to the Mayor.  A combination of heralds, gentry, a labourer and a farmer come together with others including a somewhat belligerent gatekeeper

This story of solidarity and standing up for the many is told through acting, comedy, and song. Under the guidance of Charlie Caine (Music and Musical Direction), the cast and local singers bring the songs to life.

Simon Floyd and Karl Minns said: “In each place we visit we will enlist the support of local people to help us sing the songs, which we will teach in free community workshops before the show arrives in town”.  Those wishing to sing should visit the website at https://simonfloyd.co.uk/kett

Does history repeat itself?  You’ll be forgiven if after seeing this performance you think we might be making the same mistakes in similar ways today,  just with different subjects.

At the end of the day, this show is ‘royte gud!’ and definitely worth going to see in one of its remaining performances of the current tour.

Listing:

Thursday 17 May, Aylsham Town Hall
• Singing workshop: 2-5pm
• Show starts at 20:00

Friday 18 May, Wymondham Fairland Hall
• Singing workshop: 14:00 – 17:00
• Show starts at 20:00

Saturday 19 May, Tasburgh Village Hall
• Singing workshop: 14:00-17:00
• Show starts at 20:00

Tickets £10 (£8 concession)

© Gareth Douce 2018

Read about previous Common Lot productions here: https://norwicheye.co.uk/whats-on/norwich-eye-review-come-yew-in-by-the-common-lot/