Get ready to be swept away by the epic tale of beowulf - but told from a whole new perspective…
Single ticket £19.50
Gather around the fire and listen to the epic tale of Beowulf, pagan warrior and king, and of his adversaries and allies, in this bloody, complex, raucous tale of monsters and heroes, and the likenesses and differences between them
This new storytelling show from Bernadette Russell is inspired by the epic Old English poem Beowulf, one of the oldest surviving pieces of English literature. Beowulf was composed in Anglo-Saxon England 500 CE - 1000 CE and is the epic saga of a pagan hero who defends a mighty hall, defeats monsters, becomes King and who is ultimately undone by monsters too…
In this spellbinding adaptation, Bernadette turns the tables and considers the story from the perspective of those very same “monsters”: from Grendel and his mother (so terrible she isn’t even given a name, lest saying her name summons her!), and from the glowing eyes of a fearsome, fire-breathing dragon too.
“They call us monsters- when it is they that murder our children and wear our skin as cloaks… they call us ugly.. but is it not grief that cracks our hearts and faces?… they have taught us this: that vengeance is stronger than forgiveness.. that rage is mightier than sorrow.. and it is them who are at fault, the humans, who hunt us to near extinction… who fill the land with blood and bones… and who have left no room for the wild”
Bernadette Russell is a performance storyteller and the author of six non-fiction books. She is the creative writing tutor at Treadwell’s Books in London, and has previously told stories at many venues including Royal Albert Hall, Southbank Centre and National Theatre, as well as in the woods, parks and wild places of London, Brighton and her native Hampshire.
There will be a bar selling locally produced cider, mead and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Hot drinks and snacks will also be available to be purchased from our shop.
“Bernadette's stories are magical, moving and hilarious all at once. She weaves a spell with words!” audience member at ‘A Pause at Winter's Gate’.
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Immersive yourself in the reimagined world of Beowulf by award-winning storyteller Bernadette Russell in a unique setting with a truly special atmosphere
This story has some bloodthirsty themes of battle and revenge, so it’s suitable for adults and teens (14+)
All profits will go to supporting the ongoing educational and research work of Butser Ancient Farm
INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
Two hours of thrilling storytelling by storyteller Bernadette Russell. Visit the farm after dark and settle by the glowing hearth of an Iron Age roundhouse. Hear epic, sweeping tales, and gaze into the crackling fire.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Please wrap up warm with sensible footwear as it can be chilly at the farm during the winter. You may wish to bring a blanket or cushion to make your seat more comfortable. Please bring a torch as it may be dark returning to your car to the end of the event.
TIMINGS: This special event starts at 7pm, so please arrive at 6:45pm. The event will finish at 9pm.
FIRES: Please note there will be open fires in the house during this event.
CASH: There will be a cash bar at this event and the opportunity to buy hot drinks, snacks, and gifts in our shop.
ALCOHOL: No alcohol to be brought into the event.
ANIMALS: We are sorry but dogs (apart from assistance dogs) are not invited to this special event.
REFUNDS: We cannot offer any refunds on tickets unless Butser Ancient Farm needs to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances.
SPECIAL EVENT: This event is not included as general admission for our annual pass holders. This ticket is for access to the timed event only and does not include full admission to the Farm.
COVID-19: We will be complying with any relevant Covid-19 government guidance in place at the time of the event including the latest guidance on mask wearing. If you have any Covid-19 symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate, please do not attend.