May 2023
30th, 31st May & 1st June – St George’s Quest at Morden Hall Park, National Trust – an adventure trail through Morden Hall Park. Are you brave and clever enough to take on the challenges, riddles and games on this interactive trail to face… the dragon! (Ages 4+, different levels of difficulties available)
A terrible dragon has been terrorising the village of Highcross, taking first their livestock and then their children. Young Sir Henry, the eldest son of local lord, Sir William of Highcross, was the last to die and since then the village has given up hope. On this particular summer’s day, however, it is hoped that a courageous new Challenger will step up and change their fortunes forever…
Are you brave enough to slay the dragon and win a prize? This interactive adventure trail, created by popular local theatre company Shadow Road Productions, takes Challengers on an exciting quest throughout Morden Hall Park’s beautiful Rose Garden, from a small village market place, all the way to the dragon’s lair.
Can you take on the challenges, solve the puzzles, and complete the quest in time? With help from the Blacksmith, the Wise Woman, the Squire, the Fortune Teller, and the Shepherd, can you defeat the dragon before being awarded your prize and knighted by St George himself? Join us and find out!
Please choose your preferred entry time (a new set of Challengers are invited to begin their quest every 30 minutes, although there is no limit to the length of time you may take to complete your quest) and be sure to arrive in the Rose Garden at the appointed hour. Godspeed, and good luck!
Weather
These are open air events and will go ahead, rain or shine. Please dress accordingly!
June-July 2023
Secret Storytellers Debut – Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival
In a not-too-distant, dystopian future, society has collapsed and the Ravens rule. No more books, songs, or stories. No more dreams or imagination. No passing on of any information that has not first been officially Sanctioned by the High Council.
Yet, while the Ravens may believe that history can indeed be both written and erased by the victors, the Magpies are here to prove them wrong. Defying the edict that prohibits storytelling, the Magpies dare to tell tales of hope from the Old World, as they strive to build a better and brighter future in this new one.
Are you brave enough to join them for this first forbidden story – the tale of Persephone, the pomegranate seeds, and the promised return of spring after a long, cold winter? A story of hope and change, which the Ravens would kill to keep you from hearing…
- Running time: 50 minutes
- Date & Times: Fri 30th June & Sat 1st July at 7.45pm
- Tickets: Adult £10 / Child (under 16) £9 / Family £35
- Location: Secret Garden in Barnes – precise location sent with ticket
Find out more at www.secretstorytellers.co.uk
@secretstorytellers #SecretStorytellers #RavensvMagpies
August 2023
MACBETH at Edinburgh Fringe
“All hail Macbeth that shall be King hereafter…”
With these portentous words, the three witches seal the fate not only of the Thane of Glamis himself, but also of all the others whom Macbeth will dispose of on the way to fulfilling their deadly prophecy.
This condensed version of the widely-studied Shakespeare classic retells the old story of the 11th Century Scottish King and examines the physical and psychological damage done by political ambition – both to those who seek power for its own sake, and to those who get in their way…
An electrifying new adaptation of the Bard’s infamous tragedy, the show features a certain amount of original material, but remains true to its source, both in tone and content.
“Absolutely amazing! Would highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of Shakespeare. Very intimate and well thought out production. In what used to be a male dominated area, these four women played the roles amazingly and with so much talent.” Courtney Larkin, Audience
“What a terrific show! I am still replaying in my mind the subtle shifts that all the characters passed through as undreamt of possibilities turned into dreadful realities. The ghost at the feast scene was hugely powerful as Macbeth finally unravelled. An excellent script by Emma King-Farlow and superb performances!” Jane B., Audience
“So clever to adapt the script for just four taking all the parts. It stripped the play back to its core which made the account of ambition and the cycle of violence even more powerful.” James Hutchings, Audience
“That was my first time understanding Shakespeare!” Gary B., Audience
- Running time: 80 minutes
- Date & Times: 6th-12th August at 10.15am
- Tickets: £8.50-12.50
- Location: Edinburgh Fringe
August 2023
Secret Storytellers at Edinburgh Fringe
In a not-too-distant, dystopian future, society has collapsed and the Ravens rule. No more books, songs, or stories. No more dreams or imagination. No passing on of any information that has not first been officially Sanctioned by the High Council.
Yet, while the Ravens may believe that history can indeed be both written and erased by the victors, the Magpies are here to prove them wrong. Defying the edict that prohibits storytelling, the Magpies dare to tell tales of hope from the Old World, as they strive to build a better and brighter future in this new one.
Are you brave enough to join them for this first forbidden story – the tale of Persephone, the pomegranate seeds, and the promised return of spring after a long, cold winter? A story of hope and change, which the Ravens would kill to keep you from hearing…
- Running time: 50 minutes
- Date & Times: 4th-12th August at 12.55pm
- Tickets: £8-11.50
- Location: Edinburgh Fringe
December 2022
A Christmas Carol
“If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.”
This festive season we are delighted to be bringing our much-praised production of A Christmas Carol back to two of our favourite venues, where it has previously sold out before – the National Trust’s Morden Hall Park, and The Coach & Horses, Barnes.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, miserly loner, destined to spend his afterlife making up for all the mistakes he made on earth – until, that is, a chilling encounter with the spectre of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, sets him on a different path. Can Marley’s ghost – and those of Christmas Past, Present and Future – transform the unfortunate Scrooge in time, or is it already too late to save him? See this charming Fireside Folktales adaptation of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens and find out for yourself…
- Friday 16th & Monday 19th December at 7.30pm – The Coach & Horses, Barnes SW13 9LW
JanuarY 2022
MACBETH
“All hail Macbeth that shall be King hereafter…”
With these portentous words, the three witches seal the fate of not only the Thane of Glamis himself but also all the others whom Macbeth will dispose of on the way to fulfilling their deadly prophecy.
Following the success of our acclaimed four-person adaptation of the Scottish Play – Macbeth: Sleep No More – Shadow Road brings you an expanded version of this widely-studied Shakespeare classic that retells the old story of the 11th Century Scottish King and examines the physical and psychological damage done by political ambition, both to those who seek power for its own sake and to those who get in their way…
4th September 2022
Aesop’s Fables & Persephone & the Pomegranate Seeds at The Coach & Horses, Barnes
11am & 4pm – Aesop’s Fables
(c.30 minutes)
Three of Aesop’s classic fables – The Ants & The Grasshopper, The Fox & The Stork and The Hare & The Tortoise – have been woven together into this delightful, funny and engaging play for children of all ages.
Harvest time is nearly here and there’s still so much work for the animals to do to make sure they will last through the winter. Can they put their disagreements aside and get the job done in time for the festival?
12.30pm & 2.30pm – Persephone and the Pomegranate Seeds: How the Seasons came to be
(c.45 minutes – contains sword fighting, recommended age 7+)
There are many versions of the classic Greek myth that explains how the seasons came to be – this is ours! Learn how close the goddess Demeter came to destroying the world when her beloved daughter Persephone was stolen away by Hades, the lord of the Underworld – and how Zeus and Hermes searched for a solution that everyone could live with. Were they successful? You’ll have to see the show to find out…
Weather
This is an open air events and will go ahead, rain or shine. Please dress accordingly!
OCTOBER 2021
MACBETH BY CANDLELIGHT at SOUTHSIDE HOUSE
“All hail Macbeth that shalt be King hereafter…”
With these portentous words, the three witches seal the fate not only of the Thane of Glamis himself, but also of all the others whom Macbeth will dispose of on the way to fulfilling their deadly prophecy.
Following the sell-out production of A Christmas Carol that we staged there in winter 2019, we are delighted to return with a condensed version of our acclaimed new adaptation of Macbeth, created especially for Halloween 2021 at Southside House. This widely-studied Shakespeare classic, uniquely abridged for this occasion, retells the old story of the 11th Century Scottish King and examines the physical and psychological damage done by political ambition – both to those who seek power for its own sake and to those who get in their way…
With the doors opening early enough to give you half an hour to explore this magical landmark property (which sadly may not be open to the public for very much longer) before sitting down to witness the rise and fall of the Thane-who-would-be-King by candlelight, there are fewer more exciting and atmospheric ways to spend your Halloween weekend!
- Running time: 80 minutes, plus interval
- Date & Times: Saturday 30th October at 3pm (doors open to look around the house at 2.30pm) and 7pm (doors open at 6.30pm).
- Tickets: 3pm performance – Adults £22.50; Children £17.50 (there will be no bar available at this performance);
7pm performance – Adults £25; Children £20. There will be a bar available to purchase drinks throughout the evening.
NOV-DEC 2021
“If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.”
Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, miserly loner, destined to spend his afterlife making up for all the mistakes he made on earth – until, that is, a chilling encounter with the spectre of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, sets him on a different path. Can Marley’s ghost – and those of Christmas Past, Present and Future – transform the unfortunate Scrooge in time, or is it already too late to save him? See this charming Fireside Folktales adaptation of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens and find out for yourself…
Both the ancient stone and warm candlelight of St Mary’s Barnes, and the inspiring Exhibition space at the National Trust’s magnificent Morden Hall Park, will provide the perfect backdrops for public performances of our much-loved production of A Christmas Carol, returning this winter!
We also still have some dates available for performances at private parties and corporate entertainment etc. If you are interested in booking a performance of A Christmas Carol for your event, or you would like to find out more about the other festive options we offer, please get in touch at shadowroadproductions@gmx.com
Tickets will be available very soon…
Ticket Prices: Adult – £20/Child – £15
Dates and times:
- St Mary’s Barnes – Fri 10th December at 7.30pm
- St Mary’s Barnes – Sat 11th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
- Morden Hall Park – Sat 18th December at 11.00am and 3.00pm
- Morden Hall Park – Sat 18th December at 11.00am and 3.00pm
DECEMBER 2021
“If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.”
Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, miserly loner, destined to spend his afterlife making up for all the mistakes he made on earth – until, that is, a chilling encounter with the spectre of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, sets him on a different path. Can Marley’s ghost – and those of Christmas Past, Present and Future – transform the unfortunate Scrooge in time, or is it already too late to save him? See this charming Fireside Folktales adaptation of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens and find out for yourself…
Both the ancient stone and warm candlelight of St Mary’s Barnes, and the inspiring Exhibition space at the National Trust’s magnificent Morden Hall Park, will provide the perfect backdrops for public performances of our much-loved production of A Christmas Carol, returning this winter!
We also still have some dates available for performances at private parties and corporate entertainment etc. If you are interested in booking a performance of A Christmas Carol for your event, or you would like to find out more about the other festive options we offer, please get in touch at shadowroadproductions@gmx.com
Tickets will be available very soon…
Ticket Prices: Adult – £20/Child – £15
Dates and times:
St Mary’s Barnes – Fri 10th December at 7.30pm
St Mary’s Barnes – Sat 11th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Morden Hall Park – Sat 18th December at 11.00am and 3.00pm
Morden Hall Park – Sat 18th December at 11.00am and 3.00pm
~ ‘Thank you for a brilliant & professional performance this afternoon. The changes of emotions & clothing with such integrity of acting was quite moving. So pleased to be with you – a gem of an afternoon!’
John P, The Mulberry Centre
~ ”A beautiful programme – very moving and the puppets /spirit of christmas yet to come were amazing. My friends’ teenage daughter joined us and she loved the performance as well.’
Yvonne, Southside House
~ A beautiful production! Very emotional. Well done.’
Michelle
JULY-AUG 2021
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Both the ancient stone and warm candlelight of St Mary’s Barnes, and the inspiring Exhibition space at the National Trust’s Morden Hall Park, will provide the perfect backdrops for our much-loved production of A Christmas Carol, returning this winter!
“If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.”
Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, miserly loner, destined to spend his afterlife making up for all the mistakes he made on earth – until, that is, a chilling encounter with the spectre of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, sets him on a different path. Can Marley’s ghost – and those of Christmas Past, Present and Future – transform the unfortunate Scrooge in time, or is it already too late to save him? See this charming Fireside Folktales adaptation of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens and find out for yourself…
“I
A Tale of Robin Hood: The Rescue
(This specially extended version, rewritten specifically for Morden Hall, runs for 1hr 15minutes. Recommended age 7+. Contains sword fighting and mild stage violence.)
With King Richard the Lionheart absent, corruption and injustice are rife in England. The country cries out for a champion – and in the heart of the forest, a legend stirs…
Join Robin and his friends on a daring mission to save Sir Guy of Gisborne’s prisoners from the hangman’s noose.
~ ‘Gorgeous and brilliant! Loved the dancing and the fighting!’ Bella, Barnes Children’s Literature Festival
~ ‘Great performance. We really enjoyed the singing, the story and the outside setting.’ Anonymous, Ham House – National Trust
~ ‘Terrific shows! We’ve seen several, all brilliantly done. Beautiful venue, fabulous set up and great actors.’ Jane B, Barnes Children’s Literature Festival
Christmas 2020
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Barnes.
Ticket Prices: Adult – £15/Child – £10
Dates and times:
Thursday 17th Dec – 7:30pm
Friday 18th Dec – 7:30pm
Saturday 19th Dec – 3pm & 7:30pm
August & September 2020
After a year in which theatre has been all too thin on the ground, we were thrilled to get back in front of an audience this August! Not only did we reprise two of Fireside Folktales’ hugely popular productions – the spellbinding myth Persephone & the Pomegranate Seeds and children’s favourite Aesop’s Fables – but we also premiered our powerful new adaptation of Macbeth!
Production dates
September
This September we will be returning to The Coach & Horses, a stunning local pub in Barnes, for some special open air performances .
Book your tickets for this exclusive run by clicking here!
Wednesday 2nd
6:45PM – 8:45PM
(Running time: 2 hours including an interval; the play contains sword fighting & staged violence.)
Thursday 3rd
5:30PM – 6PM
(Running time: 30 minutes.)
6:45PM – 7:15PM
(Running time: 45 minutes; includes mild staged violence and sword fighting.)
Monday 7th
5:30PM – 6PM
(Running time: 30 minutes.)
6:45PM – 7:15PM
(Running time: 45 minutes; includes mild staged violence and sword fighting.)
Thursday 10th
6:45PM – 8:45PM
(Running time: 2 hours including an interval; the play contains sword fighting & staged violence.)
The Turbine Theatre
We are delighted to be performing our new production Macbeth: Sleep No More to the Turbine Theatre as part of their new open air season ‘On the Jetty’
8PM – Wednesday 9th September
Book your tickets for this exclusive night by clicking here!
August
This August we staged three of our productions; Aesop’s Fables: The Harvest Festivals, Persephone & the Pomegranate Seeds, and Macbeth: Sleep No More in a beautiful private garden in Barnes, South West London.
Set against an enchanting outdoor backdrop, in a stunning and spacious garden not usually accessible to the public, this was one of our most magical performances yet! Please check our Macbeth page to see some of our beautiful production photos.
We couldn’t have asked for nicer audiences to welcome us back. Please check our social media for our latest reviews. We look forward to continuing our socially distant performances at The Coach & Horses and The Turbine Theatre. Spaces are limited so please book now to avoid disappointment.
Prices
For the secret garden in Barnes and the Coach & Horses
Aesop’s Fables: The Harvest Festival
£10 Adult (16 and over)
£5 Child (under 16)
Persephone & the Pomegranate Seeds
£10 Adult (16 and over)
£5 Child (under 16)
*SPECIAL OFFER* Joint tickets for Aesop’s Fables AND Persephone & the Pomegranate Seeds on the same day
£15 Adult (16 and over)
£7.50 Child (under 16)
Macbeth: Sleep No More
£15 Adult (16 and over)
£12 Child (under 16)
£45 Family (2 adults & 2 children OR 1 adult & 3 children)
To book please click here. Due to COVID regulations all tickets must be purchased online.
* A booking fee of £0.45 + 6% per ticket applies.
SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS:
~ All tickets purchased in a single order will be assumed to belong to the same household and seated accordingly. Should your group include more than one household (e.g. two groups of friends who need to maintain the appropriate social distance from each other) please purchase the tickets in two separate orders.
~ Audience members are asked to bring their own blankets or cushions (or both!) to make themselves comfortable on the grass.*
*If any of your party requires an upright chair or camping stool for medical reasons, please email us at firesidefolktales@gmail.com in advance and we will supply one.