AS RABBLE begins the run of shows for its latest production in Reading, an adaptation of Henry I, it is also celebrating the launch of a new beer.
To mark the production, the company teamed up with Elusive Brewing in the creation of a new golden ale, Chaos of Succession, launched with a party at The Grumpy Goat on Friday, June 9.
A light ale of just under 4% volume, Chaos of Succession is described as having citrus and blackcurrant notes and is made from a mix of UK-grown Admiral and Mystic hops.
It will be sold at the bar for performances, which are taking place in Reading’s historic Abbey Ruins, as well as at a number of venues around the town.
Toby Davies, artistic director at RABBLE, says the beer came about after he was approached by a long-time follower of the company’s work with the idea.
“Colin approached me and asked if we’d ever thought about creating a beer to sell at our bar, and then he very kindly put us in touch with The Grumpy Goat and Elusive Brewing.”
The production centres on the titular king, who has a number of connections with Reading, and is also thought to be buried here, though the location is disputed.
“Henry I is buried here, and it felt like a good subject matter for the collaboration– it’s a really nice lighter ale, and it’ll taste great in the sunshine at the show.”
Ruth Mitchell, managing director at Elusive Brewing, said: “Colin is a big fan of RABBLE’s theatre and suggested that it would be a good partnership, and we were delighted to be involved.
“So with Chaos, it’s a slightly more traditional ale than our usual range– we wanted it to have a wide appeal where traditional tastes won’t find it scary, and non-beer-drinkers will still find it interesting.”
She explained: “Elusive is very collaborative– close to 50% of our beers are collaboration of some sort, and we’re always happy to get involved with other businesses and bring something to a diverse range of people.
“The whole sector is being affected by all sorts of things, including Brexit, and the industry isn’t getting the support that it should do.
“It’s difficult, and everyone is struggling, so we try as small businesses to support each other, but more support from those in power would be a great thing.”
Colin Pearson, a retired engineer, is the man behind the original idea, and has been living in Reading since the early 80s.
He said at the launch party: “I enjoy the theatre, and when I heard about RABBLE I jumped at the chance of going to see them back when they were ‘Reading Between the Lines.’
“They’ve got a strong local connection and put on some great productions and do some good work; Toby put on a talk at the town hall, which we attended, promoting the production.
“The idea just came to me of a special beer for Henry I; but I know that there are other people more expert in brewing choices.”
As for his verdict on the beer itself: “I think it’ll be a very popular beer, and it pleases old people like me too.”
Chaos of Succession is available at all of the performances of Henry I in Reading’s Abbey Ruins from Tuesday, June 13, to Saturday, July 1.
It is also available via Elusive Brewing’s website and at their taproom in Wokingham’s Hogwood Lane, The Grumpy Goat in Smelly Alley (Union St), and in venues around Reading.
Details about Elusive are available via: elusivebrewing.com/
Details about Henry I performances and how to get tickets are available via: whatsonreading.com
