MODERN-DAY balladeers Chris Green and Sophie Matthews present a new version of Geoffrey Chaucer’s timeless classic, The Canterbury Tales, in Ilminster this month.
Written in the late 14th century, The Canterbury Tales is the high-water mark of medieval English literature.
The story paints a rich and vibrant portrait of life in medieval England. Although Chaucer wrote his masterwork over 600 years ago, it still feels contemporary, fresh and vital – and wholly accessible to modern audiences.
GreenMatthews present six of the best-loved tales, told in a variety of styles. Taking visual inspiration from medieval mystery plays and complete with a set which resembles a medieval travelling theatre, the three-man cast use drama, verse, physical theatre and song to bring Chaucer’s characters to life, telling tales packed with colourful characters and strange situations.
Chris was born into a musical family in Coventry and he began playing guitar and piano from an early age. He is a regular musician at Shakespeare’s Globe and was also one of the musicians on BBC’s Poldark.
Sophie plays a variety of early woodwind instruments. She’s also one of a handful of British players of the baroque musette, an 18th century French bagpipe similar to the Northumbrian smallpipes.
The Canterbury Tales will be at Ilminster Arts Centre on Friday, February 28. To book visit themeetinghouse.org.uk or call 01460 54973.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here