Characters Representing The Georgian & Regency Period

The ‘much maligned monarch’ is portrayed in his late 50s. It is a difficult time in the King’s life; he has suffered from recurring bouts of illness, the behaviour of his son, George Prince of Wales, causes him great concern, and the continuing war with Revolutionary France weighs heavily on his mind! Indeed, the loss of he American Colonies (now some years ago), is a cause for continued anxiety – war has been an almost constant feature of his long reign!

‘Farmer George’ is a gentle and kind man, with a strong love of family and, unusually, a long and happy marriage to his credit. He is, perhaps (and sadly), best remembered for the illness that consumed the final years of his life.

The presentation, in which the ‘King’ appears in the ‘Windsor Uniform’, is suitable for an interior location (one that befits a Royal presence) and is complemented by ‘props’ and furniture befitting the ‘King’ in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Although of humble birth ‘Cheap’, through ‘trade’, has amassed a very considerable fortune! He aspires to ‘gentility’ and craves to be accepted by his social ‘betters’ – the Gentry and Nobility – and is often to be seen in their company. He is tolerated, due to his great wealth, but is not really accepted as he will, forever, be looked upon as being ‘in trade’. Having recently been elected a member of the ‘Court of Directors’ of the East India Company, Cheap hopes that this advance will improve his standing in Society.

The presentation which is suitable for an interior location, is complemented by clothing, ‘props’, and furniture befitting a wealthy merchant in the period 1770 – 1790 and highlights the nature of life and society at a time in which Britain lost her American Colonies as well as embarking upon a protracted war with Revolutionary France.

‘Adams’, – the Butler in a grand Regency house, has been ‘in service’ for many years. Having risen to the ‘rank’ of Butler, he explains the nature of life ‘below stairs’, the duties of servants, their living and working conditions, and all the practices/procedures employed to keep the household in good order. ‘Mr Adams’ pays particular attention to the ‘Honours of the Table’  (the complex processes and etiquette associated with dining) and the ‘ceremony’ associated with the taking of tea.

The presentation, which is set in the period 1811 – 1820, is supported by a considerable range of silver, porcelain, and domestic items, and is suitable for an interior location, particularly the ‘domestic offices’ or dining room of a historic or period house. The presentation, which may be specifically themed to address either dining or the taking of tea, has been used to very good effect at numerous heritage locations and educational/corporate venues.

Additionally, a special Christmas-themed presentation, entitled ‘An Invitation to a Georgian Christmas’ is offered both at venues in the UK and USA.

‘Sir Joseph Scott’ – A Regency Dandy:

‘Scott’, a Baronet and the MP for Worcester, is a midland landowner and a spend thrift! He has worked his way through a very considerable fortune in the pursuit of pleasure; high fashion, the excitement of the card table, and the solace of the bottle, are the key features of his life!

The presentation, which is set within the period 1811 – 1820, deals with the nature of life and society during the turbulent years of the Regency; drawing upon the events of the war with France, the impact of the Industrial Revolution, the illness of George III, and the excesses of the Prince Regent!

The presentation, which is supported by a considerable range of items, illustrative of the period, and ‘Sir Joseph’s’ station in life, is suitable for an interior location and particularly favours a historic room setting.

Matthew Chapman – A Pedlar

Travelling on foot, from town to town, Chapman the Pedlar offers and exposes his various ‘goods’ for sale (‘chapman’ – an old English term for a dealer in goods, usually itinerant). Offering all manner of ‘notions’ – ribbons, buttons, stockings, etc etc – all available at a price! Chapman can be seen travelling the highways and byways, in the hope of making a sale!

The presentation, which is most suited to an outside setting, as a walking/mobile presentation at a historically themed street festival or historic market, offers direct engagement with the audience/public and provides for the effective conveyance of themes, to visitors, as well as story-telling opportunities. Costume is for the period 1770 – 1820.

‘Pudge’ is a veteran of Wellington’s campaigns in the Peninsula (1808-1814) and of the Battle of Waterloo (1815). He recounts his experiences and explains the reality of life on campaign and of the horrors of war. Additionally, he explains and demonstrates equipment, weapons, and drill manoeuvres.

The presentation, which is supported by an extensive range of uniform and equipment, is suitable for both an interior and an exterior location, particularly one having a military connection. The location, interior or under canvas, can be dressed to resemble a ‘barrack room’.

Additionally, the presentation may be specifically themed to address aspects of military history – the Duke of Wellington, Napoleonic strategy, and accounts of specific battles. With a succession of bi-centenries approaching, including that of Waterloo in June 2015, this presentation is proving increasing popular at all manner of locations.

‘Turlis’, who was the Hangman at Tyburn during the 18th century, is equipped with gallows, ropes, and all the tools of his gruesome trade.

He recounts the nature of crime and punishment in the Georgian and Regency period; the time of the ‘Bloody Code’, a body of law that set death as the sentence for in excess of 200 offences!

This presentation, which may be styled to address ‘Highwayman’ and ‘Piracy’ themes, is suitable for an exterior setting and is complemented by 12’ high gallows (complete with body!) and associated items. As well as being appropriate for a venue with a crime and punishment connection, it would similarly compliment a historically themed street festival, historic market etc.

Costume is for the period 1770 – 1820 and the presentation has been used to good effect at hertiage venues and other locations across the UK.

‘Knight’ has been involved in the Slave Trade for many years, crossing and re-crossing the Atlantic Ocean on numerous occasions; in the furtherance of the ‘triangular trade’. He recounts the horrors of slavery, of the appalling conditions on board ship, and the manner in which men, women, and children were seized, treated as ‘property’, and sold into a life of unbelievable hardship. Now, however, ‘Knight’ is an ‘abolitionist’ who speaks out against the brutality of slavery and who seeks to inform the wider public of the need to end this shameful trade.

The presentation, which is set in the year 1805, is suitable for both an interior and an exterior setting (particularly one with a maritime link), is supported by a range of slavery related items. The presentation is also offered in schools in relation to the Key Stage 2 Syllabus. (please see Educational Programmes)

‘Buchan’ travels from town to town, erecting his ‘bothy’ at markets and fairs, from which he sells potions and remedies, attends to common ailments, and demonstrates remedies and techniques. He discusses the nature and make-up of society, contrasting his role and situation in life with that of ‘Doctors of Physic’ and Surgeons.

This presentation, set within the period 1780 to 1800, is supported by an array of period authentic ‘props’ and furniture, and is suitable for both an interior and an exterior location. The emphasis on ‘herbal remedies’, and associated topics, renders it particularly suitable for a historic garden setting.

The presentation proves ever popular at heritage ;locations, educational establishments, and corportae venues. Note: costume variation allows for this presentation to be set in the Stuart period.

Join our ‘Town Crier’ or ‘Master of the Ceremonies’ as he leads you on a light-hearted romp through the Regency period!

Against a backdrop of national flags, and drawing upon numerous images and illustrations, you are introduced to both the high spots and the low points that occurred during this most colourful period in our Nation’s history.

The audience is encouraged to cheer, to boo, and to hiss; in short, the trials and tribulations of the period 1811 to 1820 are brought to life in a light-hearted, entertaining, and informative fashion.

The presentation is suitable for both an interior or exterior setting and would particularly complement a Regency-themed period market or festival.

The Prince Regent

George, Prince of Wales, was proclaimed ‘Prince Regent’ in February 1811; to rule in the stead of his father, King George III, who had become increasingly ill. Initially proclaimed Regent for a period of 12 months, the Act of Parliament was extended as the King’s much awaited recovery, did not materialise!

The Prince – the leader of fashion, patron of the arts, and a serial womaniser!!!! – was eccentric in the extreme, even to the point of believing that he had fought against Napoleon, whilst disguised as a British Army Officer!

The presentation, in which the ‘Prince Regent’ appears in the ‘Windsor Uniform’, is suitable for an interior location (one that befits a Royal presence), and is complemented by ‘props’ and furniture appropriate to the status of the ‘Prince, during the early 19th century.