New Play at Historic Venue Will Tell A Lesser Known Story of Guildford’s Past

Published on: 6 Jul, 2013
Updated on: 8 Jul, 2013

A grisly execution, an English bastard aristocrat and a Guildford ‘hospital’ are the ingredients of a new historical play that will be performed in Guildford later this month.

The story is that of the Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate, protestant son of Charles II, who attempted to mount a rebellion and seize the throne from James II in 1685.

In a new play, Monmouth: A Night In The Death by Tobias Wright, his imprisonment at Abbot’s Hospital in the High Street forms the centre-point of the plot.

Local history fans should enjoy learning more about this less well known event in our town’s history at a time when bloody capital punishment was normal.

The audience, will experience unusual access to the hospital as they follow the play around the ancient venue which can hardly fail to give a sense of history.

Playwright Tobias Wright, who attended the Royal Grammar School and whose work has been staged at the Old Vic, said: “Researching for a site-specific play has been fascinating, and has been such a unique opportunity. I must have walked past Abbot’s Hospital thousands of times before ever discovering some of the secrets of its past.

“We’re hoping to convey elements from historical record in an immersive, promenade performance within the building, but naturally we’re balancing this with dramatic licence.

“I have relished the opportunity of passing the script to a brilliant cast and crew of young professionals.”

For tickets please email: monmouthguildford@gmail.com