Paul Maddocks, a founder member of the Coventry Society, reviews a recent play performed at St. Mary’s Guildhall. Paul writes…..
Last week I had the pleasure of seeing the first performance of the latest play by EGO Arts – ‘Unholy Trinity’. It is a play based on historical figures and based on the events of 12th October 1548 in St. Mary’s Guildhall.
It is set in the reign of King Edward VI (born 12th October 1537 so it is his 11th Birthday). He was the only son of King Henry VIII. The story begins with Whitfield Saunders. He was just about to be made Mayor of Coventry. He is a very successful ‘capper’ – a person who makes caps of fine Coventry Blue wooden cloth, very popular in the 14th century. Within the play there are various historic figures like minstrels Ooghmus and Matilda Makejoy who are thrown together with contemporary figures like Bishop Richard Sampson and the new Mayor in a reimagining of the Guildhall’s history.
Edward Seymour and Thomas Seymour were brothers of Jane Seymour, wife of Henry VIII. They both vied for control of their nephew, the young King Edward VI. Edward Seymour was made Lord Protector and governed as King in all but name, but squandered the King’s finances on costly wars. His younger brother Thomas Seymour also sought to manipulate the young King by giving him a regular allowance of coins in secret to make him feel more grown-up and turn the King against his older brother.
The evening’s performance was very entertaining with music, intrigue, mystery, fun, plays within plays and a slice of what Coventry must have been like on the evening of 12th October 1548. Set in the wonderful Guildhall, the place where it would all have happened, it was a remarkable reimagining and well worth a watch.
Remaining dates for performances of Unholy Trinity are Thursday 17th, Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October 2024, at 8pm. Tickets can be booked via this link.
Tickets are priced at £25 (concession £18).