RABBLE has announced that Arts Council England has made a significant investment in the company’s major new project.
RABBLE is following up on its celebrated 2023 production of Henry I with a major new play, a prequel titled William The Conqueror.
Now it has announced that Arts Council England has invested £30,000 in the production, currently in development.
Associate playwright Beth Flintoff will return to pen the play, alongside the theatre company’s core team.
It also announced that a ‘Come and See’ event will take place on Saturday, June 28, when it will throw open the doors to the public to get an exclusive early look at the production, including work-in-progress scenes, music demonstrations, and talks from project partners.
2027 will mark a millenium since the birth of William the Conqueror, who would go on to helm one of the most significant events in British history when he became the first Norman king of England following the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
His rulership led to the restructuring of the church, the development of architecture and feudalism, and immense diversification of the English language as it absorbed considerable Latin influences through French.
Toby Davies, RABBLE’s Co-Artistic Director, said: “In a time when 82% of applications to Arts Council England are rejected and wonderful organisations across the country are fighting for existence, we are delighted, humbled and honoured to have received this investment from ACE.
“The potential is significant–this is without doubt our most ambitious and exciting creative adventure.”
