Spoilers: Jack Juggler (Jack's Speech) Welcome to this spoilery introduction to the play Jack Juggler by Someone. We present a run down of the action, with commentary and clips, followed by a plain text recording of material in the edit for the final full cast audio adaptation (coming soon!)  Today it's the introduction to the title character, Jack Juggler, performed by Heydn McCabe - which is where the Vice enters and sets up the action ahead - the host is Robert Crighton. BE WARNED - If you just want to listen to the play as a play, don't listen to the spoilers episodes. Come back later, or don't listen. However, if you find early drama hard to follow, then you will get a good grounding in the action here - especially as we may make changes or cuts for our final version! The plain text version is rough in hew, it will change and we produce it in part to hunt out errors.  You can follow the text online - though some texts are better than others. Good editions of the play can also be found - not always in print, but still in circulation - and are worth the hunt. An online version - with some variations in text - can be found at project Gutenberg here. Other online versions can be searched for.  Editions: Four Tudor Comedies - Penguin (1984), Three Tudor Classical Interludes - Tudor Interludes Series, D.S. Brewer (1982) Support the podcast by going to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare and pledge something – or by leaving a review on itunes or whichever podcasting service you use. Or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes or check out our website at www.beyondshakespeare.org

Discussing: Beware the Cat Host Robert Crighton discusses with Dr Rachel Stenner of the University of Sussex, Beware the Cat by William Baldwin - a book about talking cats which has been turned into a stage production. The project blog: https://bewarethecat.home.blog/ - or follow them on twitter @bewarecat   Dr Rachel Stenner is a lecturer in English Literature 1350-1660 at the University of Sussex - The Beware the Cat project is supported by: University of Sheffield, Festival of the Mind; Society for Renaissance Studies; University of Sussex, Higher Education Innovation Fund The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare - or if you'd like to buy us a coffee at ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/beyondshakespeare - or if you want to give us some feedback, email us at [email protected], follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram @BeyondShakes or go to our website: https://beyondshakespeare.org You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel where (most of) our exploring sessions live - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLa4pXxGZFwTX4QSaB5XNdQ The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is hosted and produced by Robert Crighton.

Exploring the Chester Mystery Cycle - Play Eleven From our Exploring workshop, where we read through the text of this play for future use towards an audio/stage show. We're playing around with how to make these pieces come alive for people today, starting with these recordings of reads through and workshops.   This episode focuses on play 11, the Blacksmiths play on the Purification of the Virgin, and Christ and the Doctors. The Beyond Shakespeare Irregulars this episode are The Irregulars were Mark Holtom, Liz Cole, Richard Fawcett and Mark Scanlon – with host, Robert Crighton. There are more versions of the Chester plays than you can shake a stick at - (actually there are eight) - so any text you use to follow will probably be a bit different to ours (for the sticklers, our base text was H, except for play five, where it was just easier to go for a group text (D-or Hm, A, R, B) composite - though some readings may have been borrowed from all). However, you don't necessarily need to worry about such things, so here's a nice friendly modern spelling version we found online. http://groups.chass.utoronto.ca/plspls/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/index.html The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

Spoilers: Jack Juggler (Prologue) Welcome to this spoilery introduction to the play Jack Juggler by Someone. We present a run down of the action, with commentary and clips, followed by a plain text recording of material in the edit for the final full cast audio adaptation (coming soon!) Today it's the Prologue performed by Rob Myson - which is a fun start to the play, setting out what it is - and the host is Robert Crighton. BE WARNED - If you just want to listen to the play as a play, don't listen to the spoilers episodes. Come back later, or don't listen. However, if you find early drama hard to follow, then you will get a good grounding in the action here - especially as we may make changes or cuts for our final version!  The plain text version is rough in hew, it will change and we produce it in part to hunt out errors. You can follow the text online - though some texts are better than others. Good editions of the play can also be found - not always in print, but still in circulation - and are worth the hunt. An online version - with some variations in text - can be found at project Gutenberg here. Other online versions can be searched for. Editions: Four Tudor Comedies - Penguin (1984), Three Tudor Classical Interludes - Tudor Interludes Series, D.S. Brewer (1982) Support the podcast by going to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare and pledge something – or by leaving a review on itunes or whichever podcasting service you use. Or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes or check out our website at www.beyondshakespeare.org

The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe (Prologue to the Court, by Thomas Heywood) - What's Past Is Prologue  A performance of the prologue to The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe (c.1589), though this prologue for the court is by Thomas Heywood for a later revival around 1633.  It has been recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. As this is Marlowe there is a reasonable chance you will be able to experience this play at some point during your life, however we doubt that this prologue will be included.  If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or you can follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk

Interludium de Clerico et Puella or The Student and the Girl (Fragments) This fragmentary play comes from around 1300, and survives as two scenes - the first where a student tries to woo a young woman (Malkyn) who rebuffs him, the second where he goes to Mome Elwis, a wise woman, to seek her aid to changing Malkyns mind. The fragments end at this point and we never discover whether Elwis does assist him, or what her plan might be - though the similarity with the earlier Dame Sirith text suggests one possible outcome, which we will cover in a future podcast. The text for this podcast has been lightly modernised rather than translated, and the best version of the original that can be found online (that we know of) can be seen here.  The Student was played by Andy Barrett, Malkyn by Gillian Horgan, and Mother Elwise by Sarah Golding.   The presenter was Robert Crighton. Additional Sound effects are from https://www.zapsplat.com and http://www.freesfx.co.uk.   The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

Discussing: John Bale’s Biblical Plays Host Robert Crighton discusses with Dr Jeff S. Dailey the Biblical plays of John Bale - God's Promises, John Baptist's Preaching and The Temptation (of which we have recordings on the podcast).  Jeff Dailey produced two of John Bale’s Biblical plays in 2017 (John Baptist's Preaching and The Temptation) – details about the production, cast and photos, can be found at http://johnbaleplays.blogspot.com/ Dr Jeff S. Dailey earned his PhD in theatre from NYU, with additional study at Wagner College, The College of Staten Island, The Folger Institute, New York Theological Seminary, General Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary. This episode was recorded in late 2018 and features clips from some of our work - and includes some sound effects from https://www.zapsplat.com and http://www.freesfx.co.uk. Excerpts from God’s Promises: Noah, Alan Scott - Abraham, Geir Madland – God, Robert Crighton Excerpt from Robin Hood and the Friar: Friar Tuck, Heydn McCabe – Robin Hood, Geir Madland Excerpt from Exploring John Baptist’s Preaching: Pharisee & Sadducee, Mark Scanlon and Mark Holtom – Jesus, Richard Fawcett Excerpt from Exploring The Temptation: Satan, Alan Scott  Support this podcast by going to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us @BeyondShakes on Twitter.

Exploring Albion Knight - a fragment (c.1537-1566) From our Exploring workshop, where we read through the text of this fragmentary play for future use towards an audio/stage show. Albion Knight is about an attempt by two vice figures, Injury and Division, to disrupt the fair running of the realm by seeding, ahem, division between the various actors - in this fragment, Albion himself and Justice. We're playing around with how to make these pieces come alive for people today, starting with these recordings of reads through and workshops.    The Beyond Shakespeare Irregulars this episode are Alan Scott, Liz Cole, and Mark Scanlon – with host, Robert Crighton. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

God's Promises by John Bale - Act 5, David A plain text version of Act 5 of God's Promises written by protestant playwright John Bale in 1538. This act sees God talking to King David, part of a procession of prophets, before finally preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus through speaking to John the Baptist. This is a follow up to a test recording made in 2013 and incorporates elements from that session and maintaining the basic style for continuity. As a plain text version, with no music or sound effects beyond the odd filter, it's primarily here to give us - and you - an idea of what would be needed to bring the play to life. Other recordings from the play are available, and more are on the way. David is played by Heydn McCabe, God by Robert Crighton, and the narrator in Annie Eddington.  For more info go to our website: www.beyondshakespeare.org - or you can support our work on patreon: www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare The text to God's Promises can be found variously online with only a few textual issues - one example can be found here. 

The Three Lords and Three Ladies of London (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to The Three Lords and Three Ladies of London (c.1588) by Robert Wilson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one.  A bit of an introduction to this episode, as there's some visual business that doesn't come across on audio. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or you can follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk

Mortimer, His Fall – a tragedy by Ben Jonson (Fragment) Ben Jonson started writing his play about Mortimer, Earl of March - who was de facto ruler of England after bumping off Edward II - but sadly, he died before finishing it.  All that survives is an outline, and this short opening scene between Mortimer and the Queen Mother, Isabell - which we have dutifully recreated for you here. Enjoy. Mortimer, Earl of March was played by Geir Madland, Isabell, the Queen Mother, by Gillian Horgan, and Ben Jonson’s Arguments by Heydn McCabe.  The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

Exploring Good Order, or Old Christmas - a fragment from c.1533 From our Exploring workshop, where we read through the text of this fragmentary play for future use towards an audio/stage show. This fragment is from the end of the play, where Riot and Gluttony – having obviously caused some upset to the land – are having their fate decided by Old Christmas (the ruler), upon the advise of Good Order.  They decide not to imprison them, but instead for them to be banished.  Prayer closes the play with... erm... a prayer. These Exploring sessions are a beginning as we play around with how to make these pieces come alive for people today. The Beyond Shakespeare Irregulars this episode are Alan Scott, Liz Cole, and Mark Scanlon – with host, Robert Crighton. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

God's Promises by John Bale - Act 3, Abraham A plain text version of Act 3 of God's Promises written by protestant playwright John Bale in 1538. This act sees God talking to Abraham, part of a procession of prophets, before finally preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus through speaking to John the Baptist. This is a follow up to a test recording made in 2013 and incorporates elements from that session and maintaining the basic style for continuity. As a plain text version, with no music or sound effects beyond the odd filter, it's primarily here to give us - and you - an idea of what would be needed to bring the play to life. Other recordings from the play are available, and more are on the way. Abraham is played by Geir Madland, God by Robert Crighton, and the narrator in Annie Eddington. For more info go to our website: www.beyondshakespeare.org - or you can support our work on patreon: www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare  The text to God's Promises can be found variously online with only a few textual issues - one example can be found here.

The Three Ladies of London (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to The Three Ladies of London (1581/2) by Robert Wilson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one.    If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or you can follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes   Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk The play is in print as part of the Revels Plays series, in Three Renaissance Usury plays and available online if you hunt.

Exploring The Temptation by John Bale From our Exploring workshop, where we read through the text of John Bale’s biblical play, The Temptation, for future use towards an audio/stage show. Part of a surviving trilogy of plays, though more once existed or were planned, it follows Bale’s God’s Promises – recorded variously on the podcast – and John Baptist’s Preaching – which has been Explored as well. The text can be found variously online – here is an example. The Beyond Shakespeare Irregulars this episode are Alan Scott, Richard Fawcett and Liz Cole; the host was Robert Crighton. UPDATE 2020 - this is a revised version where we've added the prologue and epilogue to the discussion, with Alan Scott and future Robert Crighton. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

Tamburlaine the Great (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to Tamburlaine the Great (later known as part 1 when the sequel is written) created by Christopher Marlowe in 1587 - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one.   If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or you can follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes  Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk   The play is in print and available variously online - an example of the text can be found here in various formats https://emed.folger.edu/featured-plays

The Play of the Weather by John Heywood A Full Cast Audio Adaptation The god Jupiter opens his doors for people to lobby for the weather that they want – his messenger Merry Report deals with the many people who come to take Jupiter up on his offer. Do you want it to be sunny, windy, rainy, cold or dull? Now's your chance to get the weather you want! The Cast: Jupiter was played by Heydn McCabe, Merry Report by Robert Crighton, The Gentleman by Geir Madland, the Merchant by Rob Myson, the Ranger by Simon Nader, the Water Miller by Alan Scott, the Wind Miller by Richard Fawcett, the Gentlewoman by Gillian Horgan, the Launder by Nemonee Stone, and the Boy by Andy Barrett. Additional voices of the Gods were Hugh Weller-Poley and Adam Thurkettle, and members of the company. The announcer was Sarah Golding. The Play of the Weather was produced for the Beyond Shakespeare Podcast by Robert Crighton, with additional sound effects thanks to www.freesfx.co.uk and zapsplat.com This production is the last part of our complete plays of John Heywood box set. Literally every play or bit of dramatic material has been put together in audio form for your enjoyment, and can be heard by scrolling through the podcast, or going to our dedicated playlist, which also features a curated selection of other Heywood related material. For an alternative version of the play, go to this great website - Staging the Henrician Court: http://stagingthehenriciancourt.brookes.ac.uk/ The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare Or for more details about us go to www.beyondshakespeare.org or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

Discussing: John Heywood (part 2) Host Robert Crighton discusses with Greg Walker, Professor of English at the University of Edinburgh, the playwright John Heywood and his works. In this second part we discuss his later life and writing, as well as a little more on The Play of the Weather (coming soon to this podcast). You can listen to any of the plays discussed on our John Heywood playlist - and you can also watch a production of The Play of the Weather from the Staging the Henrician Court website.   Additional readings by Adam Thurkettle (Eagle's Bird) and Hugh Weller-Poley (Heywood's Recantation - in full at the end of the episode.) Special Thanks to Professor Greg Walker for giving us his time to speak with us. Produced by Robert Crighton.  Useful Links - John Heywood playlist: https://audioboom.com/playlists/4620013-the-plays-of-john-heywood Staging the Henrician Court: http://stagingthehenriciancourt.brookes.ac.uk/  Our website: http://beyondshakespeare.org Please support this podcast, and gain access to additional materials by going to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us @BeyondShakes on Twitter.

Exploring: John Baptist’s Preaching by John Bale UPDATED 14/12/19 - with Prologue and Epilogue From our Exploring workshop, where we read through the text of John Bale’s biblical play, John Baptists Preaching, for future use towards an audio/stage show. Part of a surviving trilogy of plays, though more once existed or were planned, it follows Bale’s God’s Promises – recorded variously on the podcast – and The Temptation – work on which follows soon. The text can be found variously online – here is an example. https://archive.org/details/dramaticwritings00bale/page/128 The Beyond Shakespeare Irregulars this episode are Richard Fawcett, Liz Cole, Mark Holtom and Mark Scanlon; with the Prologue and Epilogue explored with Alan Scott. The host was Robert Crighton  The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

Every Man In His Humour (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to Every Man In His Humour (1598) by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one.  If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or you can follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk  The play is in print and available variously online - an example of the text can be found here -http://www.hollowaypages.com/jonson1692humour.htm

Exploring: The Brome Play of Abraham and Isaac From our Exploring workshop, where we read through the text of this solo Biblical play for future use towards an audio/stage show. This play is probably related in some way with another Abraham play (the Chester Play workshop audio already available on this podcast - it starts somewhere in part two, here - https://audioboom.com/posts/2776335-chester-plays-4-2-abraham) and we're playing around with how to make these pieces come alive for people today. The Beyond Shakespeare Irregulars this episode are Richard Fawcett, Alan Scott, Liz Cole, and Mark Scanlon. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

Epicene (Prologue 2) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the second prologue (first prologue already out!) to Epicene or The Silent Woman (c.1609) by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. NB: Yes, it should be spelled with an OE, but it's annoying to put online, so we went simple.  If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or you can follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes  Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk The play is in print and available variously online - an example of the text can be found here -http://www.hollowaypages.com/jonson1692epicoene.htm

Epicene by Ben Jonson (Prologue 1) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the first prologue (we have two!) to Epicene or The Silent Woman (c.1609) by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. NB: Yes, it should be spelled with an OE, but it's annoying to put online, so we went simple. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or you can follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton.    Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk The play is in print and available variously online - an example of the text can be found here -http://www.hollowaypages.com/jonson1692epicoene.htm

Exploring The Four Cardinal Virtues (Fragment) From our Exploring workshop, where we read through the text of this fragment of a lost play for future use towards an audio/stage show. This play is probably related in some way with another fragmentary play called Temperance and Humility (workshop audio already available on this podcast) and we're playing around with how to make these pieces come alive for people today. This fragment is from the end of the play, where Willfulness is cast away, and Fortitude, who has gone by many names, repents his past and joins the other cardinal virtues.  The Beyond Shakespeare Irregulars this episode are Richard Fawcett, Alan Scott, Liz Cole, Mark Scanlon and Mark Saberton. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us on Twitter @BeyondShakes

Discussing: John Heywood (part 1) Host Robert Crighton discusses with Greg Walker, Professor of English at the University of Edinburgh, the playwright John Heywood and his works. In this first part we discuss his early life and his plays - intercut with recordings from our archives - including some of our audio material never released before. You can listen to any of the plays discussed on our John Heywood playlist - and you can also watch a production of The Play of the Weather from the Staging the Henrician Court website.  Part two will be released soon, where we discuss the rest of Heywood's career, a little more about The Play of the Weather, and his other printed works. Special Thanks to Professor Greg Walker for giving us his time to speak with us. Additional voices - Heydn McCabe, Rob Myson, Geir Madland & Simon Nader.  Produced by Robert Crighton. Useful Links -  John Heywood playlist: https://audioboom.com/playlists/4620013-the-plays-of-john-heywood Staging the Henrician Court: http://stagingthehenriciancourt.brookes.ac.uk/ Our website: http://beyondshakespeare.org Please support this podcast, and gain access to additional materials by going to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us @BeyondShakes on Twitter.

Exploring Temperance and Humility (Fragment) From our Exploring workshop, where we read through the text of this fragment of a lost play for future use towards an audio/stage show. This play is probably related in some way with another fragmentary play called The Four Cardinal Virtues (workshop audio also on way) and we're playing around with how to make these pieces come alive for people today. A version of the text can be found here - our working script is also available for our patrons. The Beyond Shakespeare Irregulars this episode are Richard Fawcett, Alan Scott, Liz Cole, Mark Scanlon and Mark Saberton. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare

Volpone or The Fox (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to Volpone (1606) by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. That said, for once there is a version available online - you can get it here https://www.stageonscreen.com/volpone.php or you can access it here https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com/plays/volpone-iid-140870 , if you're so connected. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare    Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton.   Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk The play is in print and available variously online - an example of the text can be found here - http://www.hollowaypages.com/jonson1692volpone.htm

This is an epilogue to a lost medieval play - from the Reynes texts. Performed live at the close of a live fundraiser by Heydn McCabe, Rob Myson and Geir Madland - introduced by Robert Crighton.  This is the second recording we've made of this wonderful epilogue, and we will keep doing do overs in different ways till we are ordered to stop.  #beyondshakespeare The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare

Robin Hood and the Sheriff/Knight – c.1475, an event where the Sheriff hires a Knight to kill Robin Hood. After challenging Robin to various trials, they fight and the Knight is killed, Robin stealing his clothes. Meanwhile some outlaws discuss the rumours about Robin and come across a battle between the Sheriff’s men and Friar Tuck – Tuck and other followers are captured and taken to the castle. And there the fragment ends. Robin Hood was played by Geir Madland, the Knight by Robert Crighton, the Sheriff by Richard Fawcett, Friar Tuck by Heydn McCabe & the Outlaws by Nemonee Stone and Rob Myson. The Shakespeare Irregulars were Alan Scott, Liz Cole, Richard Fawcett and Mark Scanlon. The presenter was Robert Crighton. Additional Sound effects are from https://www.zapsplat.com and http://www.freesfx.co.uk. Versions of this play can be found here. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare

Robin Hood and the Potter – A May Day Pageant, where Robin Hood attempts to extort money from a local Potter. From ‘A Mery Geste of Robin Hood and of hys lyfe’ printed c1560. Robin Hood was played by Geir Madland, Little John by Rob Myson, Jack by Robert Crighton & the Potter by Richard Fawcett. Presented by Robert Crighton. Additional Sound effects are from https://www.zapsplat.com and http://www.freesfx.co.uk. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare

Host Robert Crighton discusses with Christopher Hapka of the Groundling Press about the practical side of producing e-book and print on demand reading/acting texts of under represented plays. The Groundling Press have produced e-editions of Mankind, The Life and Death of Jack Straw, A Christian Turn'd Turk, The Weeding of Covent Garden. This episode focuses on Jack Straw which we're producing in the New Year as a full cast audio.  The Groundling Press can be found here - or you can follow them on twitter @GroundlingPress Support this podcast by going to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us @BeyondShakes on Twitter.

A Full Cast Audio Adaptation of Robin Hood and the Friar – A May Day Pageant, where Robin Hood battles with Friar Tuck and his men, ending in an accord between the two and a dance. From ‘A Mery Geste of Robin Hood and of hys lyfe’ printed c1560. Robin Hood was played by Geir Madland, Little John by Rob Myson, Friar Tuck by Heydn McCabe and the Lady by Nemonee Stone.  Everyone else was played by members of the company. The presenter was Robert Crighton. Additional Sound effects are from the lovely people at https://www.zapsplat.com and http://www.freesfx.co.uk.  The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare

The Devil is an Ass (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to The Devil is an Ass by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare   Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton.  Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk  The play is in print and available variously online - an example of the text can be found here. http://www.hollowaypages.com/jonson1692devil.htm

A Full Cast Adaptation of A Play of Love by John Heywood . The power of love is explored in all variables in this rarely performed play by John Heywood. Four lovers (or non-lovers) meet and compare their pain and joy. Which is worse: to love someone and not be loved back, or to be loved by someone who you cannot stand? Which is better: to be in love and loved back, or to have a life free and single? This production is the penultimate part of the complete plays of John Heywood season.  Cast, in order of appearance : The Announcer is played by Rob Myson, THE LOVER NOT LOVED by Geir Madland, THE WOMAN BELOVED NOT LOVING by Gillian Horgan, THE LOVER LOVED by Simon Nader and the Vice, NEITHER LOVER NOR LOVED, by Robert Crighton.  Produced for the Beyond Shakespeare Podcast by Robert Crighton, with additional sound effects thanks to http://www.freesfx.co.uk and zapsplat.com  For more information about this podcast go to our website. https://beyondshakespeare.org

A plain text version of Act 2 of God's Promises written by protestant playwright John Bale in 1538. This act sees God talking to Noah, part of a procession of prophets, before finally preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus through speaking to John the Baptist. This is a follow up to a test recording made in 2013 and incorporates elements from that session and maintaining the basic style for continuity. As a plain text version, with no music or sound effects beyond the odd filter, it's primarily here to give us - and you - an idea of what would be needed to bring the play to life. Other recordings from the play are available, and more are on the way. Noah is played by Alan Scott, God by Robert Crighton and the narrator in Annie Eddington. For more info go to our website: www.beyondshakespeare.org - or you can support our work on patreon: www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare The text to God's Promises can be found variously online with only a few textual issues - one example can be found here. 

Bartholomew Fair (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to Bartholomew Fair by Ben Jonson - the prologue for the King. It has been recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare   Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton.  The play is in print and available variously online - an example of the text can be found here.

Courage, Kindness, Cleanness - A Fragment of a Lost Play. A lost fragment of a play from the 1530's/40's, only eight lines long - given as full a treatment as we could do at this time. Courage is played by Geir Madland, Kindness by Gillian Horgan and Cleanness by Heydn McCabe. Additional sound effects provided with Rob Myson. The presenter is Robert Crighton. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare

Discussing: Staging Marlowe with Lazarus Theatre Company Host Robert Crighton discusses with Ricky Dukes & Gavin Harrington-Odedra of Lazarus Theatre Company about their upcoming work on Doctor Faustus, as well as their past productions of other plays by Christopher Marlowe, including Edward II, Dido and Tamberlaine. Lazarus is an award-winning theatre company, re-imagining and revitalising classic work in visual, visceral and vibrant productions. Lazarus is currently in residence at the Greenwich Theatre, and their latest season begins again in February 2018. Thanks again to Ricky Dukes, & Gavin Harrington-Odedra for speaking with us and for Greenwich Theatre for allowing us to record in their space. Links and twitter handles - https://www.lazarustheatrecompany.co.uk @LazarusTheatre  The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare - or if you'd like to buy us a coffee at ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/beyondshakespeare - or if you want to give us some feedback, email us at [email protected], follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram @BeyondShakes or go to our website: https://beyondshakespeare.org You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel where (most of) our exploring sessions live - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLa4pXxGZFwTX4QSaB5XNdQ The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is hosted and produced by Robert Crighton.

A plain text version of Act 4 of God's Promises written by protestant playwright John Bale in 1538. This act sees God talking to the prophet Moses, part of a procession of prophets, before finally preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus through speaking to John the Baptist. This is a follow up to a test recording made in 2013 and incorporates elements from that session and maintaining the basic style for continuity. As a plain text version, with no music or sound effects beyond the odd filter, it's primarily here to give us - and you - an idea of what would be needed to bring the play to life. Other recordings from the play are available, and more are on the way. Narrator - Annie Eddington, God - Robert Crighton & Moses - Rob Myson. For more info go to our website: www.beyondshakespeare.org - or you can support our work on patreon: www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare The text to God's Promises can be found variously online with only a few textual issues - one example can be found here. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/19481/19481-h/19481-h.htm#promises

The Alchemist (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to The Alchemist by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not (necessarily) supplying one. If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare  Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk The play is in print and available variously online - an example of the text can be found here. http://www.hollowaypages.com/jonson1692alchemist.htm

Discussing: The Playhouse (or Newington Butts) with Professor Laurie Johnson . Host Robert Crighton discusses with Laurie Johnson (Professor of English and Cultural Studies at the University of Southern Queensland) about The Playhouse, otherwise known as Newington Butts, and his book covering what happened there over eleven days in 1594. Shakespeare’s Lost Playhouse: Eleven Days at Newington Butts is available now from Routledge. To help follow the discussion of these eleven days in 1594, we suggest having at look at Henslowe As A Blog - http://hensloweasablog.blogspot.com/2018/06/ - this link covers the month of playing at The Playhouse, so start at the bottom of the page and follow us up! It can also be found on Twitter @HensloweAsaBlog with updates most days. It’s a lovely application of social media and the online to bring history to life. Thanks again to Professor Laurie Johnson for speaking with us. Support this podcast by going to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us @BeyondShakes on Twitter. Additional sound effects from www.freesfx.co.uk

A Tale of a Tub (Prologue) - What's Past Is Prologue A performance of the prologue to A Tale of a Tub by Ben Jonson - recorded to frustrate everyone who wants to hear a full production, and as a sitting accusation to the world for not supplying one.  If you'd like to make us to do a full audio production of this play, join us on patreon and choose this play at the next vote. www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare Prologue performed by Sarah Golding, produced by Robert Crighton. Additional sound effects from the wonderful people at http://www.freesfx.co.uk

D, G, T (or, Tom, Dick & Gary) - A Fragment of a Lost Play.  A lost fragment of a play, only ten lines long - given as full a treatment as we could do at this time. Dick is played by Heydn McCabe, Tom by Geir Madland and Gary by Rob Myson. The presenter is Robert Crighton. The Beyond Shakespeare Podcast is supported by its patrons – become a patron and you get to choose the plays we work on next. Go to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare

Cain and Abel, from the Chester Mystery Cycle, based on the second half of the Drapers Play. This full cast audio recording covers Adam teaching his children, their offerings to God, Abel's murder by Cain, and his leaving. Sound effects and musical stings are from https://www.zapsplat.com and http://www.freesfx.co.uk. Cast: God - Robert Crighton, Adam - Cecil Qadir, Eve - Annie Eddington, Abel - Andy Barrett and Cain - Richard Fawcett. Recorded at the Quay Theatre #earlyenglishdrama #mysteryplay #chester #adamandeve

Discussing: John Rastell, with John Thor Ewing - modern editor of Rastell's A Hundred Merry Tales, which is available now from all good book sellers. John Rastell was a huge influence on early modern drama, not only as a playwright (of The Four Elements and parts of Gentleness and Nobility) but more importantly as a publisher and stager of plays. His Jest Book, A Hundred Merry Tales, was an incredibly popular work of the time, and now has a spanking new edition edited by our guest. Host Robert Crighton discusses with John Thor Ewing the history of the book, John Rastell's life, and a little bit about their contemporaries and his own writing. Also featured, a preview of new weeks podcast, from our full cast audio production of the Cain sequence in the Chester Mystery Cycle. Support this podcast by going to www.patreon.com/beyondshakespeare or follow us @BeyondShakes on Twitter. The Cain preview features performances by Andy Barrett as Abel and Richard Fawcett as Cain - with additional sfx from freesfx.co.uk and zapsplat.com

An archive recording of Act 1 of God's Promises written by protestant playwright John Bale in 1538 (staged in 1547). This act sees God talking to the prophet Adam - he will speak with another five prophets, before finally preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus through speaking to John the Baptist. This was a follow up (recorded in 2015) to a test recording made in 2013 (incorporating elements from that session), to give us an idea of what would be needed to bring the play to life. It's closer to how we'd like to record work in the future, but still work in progress. Other recordings from the play are available, and more is on the way. Narrator - Annie Eddington, God - Robert Crighton & Adam - Simon Nader

A Full Cast Adaptation of The Four P's by John Heywood Three travellers meet and pass the time arguing as to who is better at getting to heaven - the Palmer, for his pilgrimages, the Pardoner for his relics, or the Pothecary for his medicines. They are met by a Peddler, who persuades them to settle their disagreement by having a contest in something they are all suited at - lying. A couple of tall tales later, and the Peddler is ready to make his judgement. Otherwise known as The Four PP - the double PP is pronounced Peees - this is a full cast adaption recorded on location as part of the complete plays of John Heywood season. With Robert Crighton as the Palmer, Heydn McCabe as the Pardoner, Geir Madland as the Pothecary and Rob Myson as the Peddler. Recorded on location at the Constitutional Club, Bury St Edmunds, with addition sound effects thanks to http://www.freesfx.co.uk  For more information about this podcast go to our blog. https://beyondshakespeare.blogspot.co.uk/

A Full Cast Adaptation of Gentleness and Nobility by John Heywood and John Rastell A Knight overhears a Merchant boasting of his nobleness, sparking an argument between the two as to what is a gentleman. They are further interupted by a Ploughman, whose debating style is a little more… violent. With Rob Myson as the Merchant, Heydn McCabe as the Knight and Robert Crighton as the Ploughman. The Epilogue is Geir Madland. John Heywood exploring sessions can be found on our YouTube channel - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLflmEwgdfKoKffZtkgZ7mUYF_d1mD72fr For more information about this podcast go to our website - http://beyondshakespeare.org/