RSC Friends

Photograph by Peter Le May.

This is a lot of fun. A bawdy romp, a pantomime, loosely based on the events of 1642 when the grandees of Yorkshire were trying to decide whether to support King or Parliament in the coming conflict. The answer for Sir John Hotham is to swear loyalty to both sides and pocket the money. The difficulties that his hypocrisy creates provokes witty exchanges as Sir John desperately tries to keep his head. Trapdoors open and close there is much coming and going through slammed doors all in the finest tradition of farce.

More serious reflection on events is provided by three leveller musicians whose songs appeal for equality and democracy with more than a nod at the current Brexit debate.