The Canterbury Tales

(adapted into modern English by Stephen Quinn) "The ensemble cast is exceptionally strong, creating some wonderful characters who become the lifeblood of this production. The characters are usually delightfully stereotypical but hide some lovely surprises. Kimberley Shaw, Stage Whispers Magazine "You guys were a riot. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Congratulations!" Audience member 2007 Don't miss out this time around!A fast-paced modern adaptation of Chaucer's original mediaeval poem. Thirty pilgrims set off for Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket. To while away the journey they tell each other stories: stories of love and lust, stupidity and passion, chivalry and greed. We take several of these sparkling tales and present an evening that soars from farcical comedy to touching romance. The Tales are each set in a completely different era and style, showing the wide-ranging versatility of Chaucer’s stories: The Pardoner's Tale: (Western) Three young men decide that since so many people are dying, that Death needs a good talking to. They set out to find him. An Indian medicine man tells them that Death is under a nearby tree. Instead they find a huge pile of gold coins... The Miller's Tale: (Carry-On film) A carpenter's wife tricks her gullible husband into sitting in a tub hanging from the roof to await a second Flood, while she dallies in bed with their student lodger. Sadly, they play a trick on the visiting curate, who comes back with a red hot poker! The Reeve’s Tale: (Silent Movie) Two students are cheated by the local Miller when they go to buy some food. Forced to stay the night, they get their own back by playing Musical Beds with his wife and daughter. The Wife of Bath’s Tale: (Mediaeval Shakespearean take-off) A young knight of King Arthur’s court is found guilty of pressing his affection upon a young girl. As a punishment he is set the task of finding out what women really desire most. A wizened old lady promises to give him the answer, but the information comes at a price… The Merchant's Tale: (Victorian Melodrama) An old man marries a young girl, but as his sight fails he grows ever more jealous. He has no idea that as she climbs a tree to pick fruit, and he stands guarding the trunk, a hunky serving man is hidden in the branches... Comic, scurrilous, bawdy, poignant or tragic: this will be an evening of fun for all ages....and a chance to see one of the greatest masterpieces of English literature, justly celebrated for more than a century and a half before Shakespeare was even a glint in his father's eye! Starring: David Meadows, Olivia Hogan, James Davies, Dan Luxton, Stephen Lee, Angelique Malcolm & Ian Bolgia. May 22 to June 7 The Rechabites Hall, 224 William Street, Northbridge Preview: Thu 22 May 8pm Season: Fri 23 & Sat 24 May 8pm Schools matinee: Tue 27 May 10am Wed 28 & Thu 29 May 8pm Sat 31 May 8pm (NOTE: NO performance Fri 30 May) Wed 4 Junr to Sat 7 June 8pm Matinee: Sat 7 June 2pm