There are many wonderful Tudor events and lectures taking place in the next few months at Hampton Court Palace.
Learn about the lives of Tudor jesters, listen to Michael Hirst talk on the challenges of creating historical drama, take part in Tudor cookery and much more!
Here is a small taste of what’s to come:
Hampton Court Palace- All the King's Fools
Hampton Court Palace- All the King’s fools
24-27 February 11.00 & 14.00
Learn about the lives of jesters and fools in the court of King Henry VIII!
Join Peet Cooper of Foolscap Productions and the Misfits Theatre Company in a ground-breaking interpretive performance about “natural” fools in Tudor times. The project has been supportedby Arts Council funding.
Based on detailed historic research by curator Dr Suzannah Lipscomb, in collaboration with the director and actors, ‘All the King’s fools’ reveals that the most famous jesters of the mid sixteenth century were learning disabled, that their performances delighted and entertained the King and his court and that their influence extending through the centuries.
The programme will consist of a promenade performance followed by the giving of a gift to the King – once in the morning and repeated in the afternoon!
More information here.
EVENING LECTURE
Hampton Court Palace- Writing the Tudors with Michael Hirst
31 March 18.30-20.00
Michael Hirst, writer and Executive Producer of the compelling TV series The Tudors, gives a talk on the challenged of constructing historical drama and the balance between historical accuracy and dynamic storytelling.
A global smash, The Tudors thrills, shocks and delights viewers in 70 countries, but has also attracted criticism for taking artistic license.
This evening promises an exploration of the issues faced by the dramatist when working with history. How do you bring a national icon to life, and how do you answer detractors’ claims of sexing up and dumbing down?
Tickets £12/£10 HRP members. To book tickets call 0844 482 7799 or online at www.hrp.org.uk
Hampton Court Palace- Tudor cookery
5-6 March, 1-3 April, 22-25 April, 29 April – 2 May
Which recipes rumbled a Tudor tummy? Come in from the cold, be warmed by the fire in our Tudor kitchens and experience for yourself first-hand the smells and sounds of 500 years ago as our intrepid team of Tudor cooks experiment with recipes, ingredients and cooking methods to prepare a feast fit for a king.
More information here.
Hampton Court Palace- A son and heir?
22-25 April
Expect merrymaking and celebrations on a grand scale as the King waits to find out if at last he has been granted his dearest wish, a baby boy to succeed to the throne of England. Henry VIII’s Kitchens will be at full swing, preparing for the happy event! Live costumed interpreters will bring the palace to life this Easter and there is even the chance to meet the King himself!
More information here.
Hampton Court Palace- Courtly love
29 April-2 May
Henry VIII has found the love of his life. Join the happy King as he shows his mastery of the rules of courtly love and chivalrous romance, to win the heart of Jane Seymour. Whilst the King works up an appetite wooing the young Jane, his cooks are preparing a feast for him in the Tudor Kitchens. Live costumed interpreters will bring the palace to life this Easter and there is even the chance to meet the King himself!
EVENING LECTURE
Hampton Court Palace- The Red Queen With Philippa Gregory
5 May 18.30-20.00
Philippa Gregory was an established historian and writer when she discovered her interest in the Tudor period and wrote the novel The Other Boleyn Girl, which was made into a TV drama and major film. Now, six novels later, she is looking at the magnificent Plantagenets, the family who preceded the Tudors and fought for the throne of England in the Wars of the Roses.
Philippa will discuss The Red Queen and her approach to historical fiction.
Tickets £12/£10 HRP members. To book tickets call 0844 482 7799 or
online at www.hrp.org.uk
Is anyone lucky enough to be attending any of these events?
I have booked up for the Michael Hirst talk on The Tudors and I am thoroughly looking forward to hearing him talk about the programme. I know that a lot of people complain about it not being historically accurate, but it is not a documentary and has never pretended to be. I think it is well acted and a real feast for the eyes. I am a hugh Jonathan Rhys Meyers fan and think that he has been terrific in the role of Henry.
I would urge everybody to come to Hampton Court Palace if they have the opportunity it is a marvellous place and full of history – it transports you back to a bygone age.
Great Carol! I think it will be a very interesting talk. Hampton Court Palace is one of my favourite places in the world! As you say, it really does transport you back in time 🙂