Entertainment Highlights 2010

Welcome to Port Deptford 2010

Stage Shows 2010

NEW! Audition for Shakespeare

Open call stage time that offers a chance for young teenage performers to display their talent in the works of Shakespeare before the author. This is a chance to work on a scene or monologue and perhaps win a ticket back to Faire for the performer (and parents). Those that return have a chance to win a spot in a performance before the Queen on the final day of Faire!

Bey'Abi Belly Dance

This tribe of dancers and musicians recreate traditional regional dances from the Middle East and Northern Africa. Being no strangers to the stage they bring to it their unique characters and humor as well as beautiful music and dance. So come sit with them a while and let them tell you of their travels and lives.

Broon

While performing seemingly impossible feats of juggling, this king of comedy will have you rolling in the aisles.

Capoeira Brazil

Capoeira is a dynamic and exciting Afro-Brazilian martial art form born of the un-crushable human desire for the freedom of expression and self-determination. These highly energetic and skilled masters will capture your soul through their amazing physical and instrumental talent, and their spiritual connections to their history dating back to the 15th century.

Clan MacColin Celtic Dance

Featuring the award-winning step dancers from the Guild of St. Andrews, this highland fling stirs the "inner Celt" in us all.

Country Garden Dancers

Come see these lively lads and lasses as they are joined by the May Queen and her Revelers in a frolicking dance about the Maypole Commons, culminating in the wrapping of the Maypole itself!  Perhaps you can be one of the wee lads and lasses invited to join in the fun!

Join the dancers later in the day for “The Matchmaker’s Foil”; a tale of Intrigue, Murder, True Love, and Really Bad Stew, on the Maybower Stage.

Equestrian Show

Come and visit the Royal Equine Guild with horses specially imported from Europe for her Majesties pleasure, this year featuring the beautiful Gypsy Horse and its unique history. Horses will be on display all day and performances will be held in the Joust Arena.

NEW! Gamelan Burat Wangi

(FRAGRANT OFFERING)–This renowned Balinese music and dance ensemble presents exquisite performances of Balinese court music and dance, featuring ancient traditional instruments and choreography.

The Hanlon-Lees Jousting Knights and Steeds

The Hanlon-Lees Jousting Knights and Steeds are here! Each and every day, this band of bold warriors ride forth to bring you three lance-shattering, breath-taking shows filled with full-contact competition, action and adventure.

NEW! Hey Nunnie Nunnie

This comic nun duo will wow you with their unique combination of hilarious antics and silly songs designed to make you laugh so loud you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven (First Three Weekends only)

Kondor Brothers

This young brother duo will juggle balance and flip their way into your hearts. (SELECT WEEKENDS ONLY)

NEW! Lan Sattha Dance Group

Lan Sattha Dance group features beautiful traditional Thai and Northern Thai dance with gorgeous costumes and ornaments inspired by Thai beliefs in ritual, religion and ceremony….. and dance as an offering.

Lord Mayor's Show (NEW STORY)

Our beloved young Queen Elizabeth has heard Port Deptford is the” jewel in the crown” over counties and ports alike, and she has come to see what those in power have done with the Crown’s coin. But Oh! What they’ve done! They’ve spent it frivolously and upon themselves. Now watch the mayor and his council back peddle and wheel and deal as they try to avoid accountability. Come watch this fast paced hilarious …yet somewhat familiar comedy!

RETURNING! Manly Men in Tights

Come relive the magic of one of the most popular stage shows ever to romp on a Renaissance Faire stage! After 10 years away, those Manly Men in Tights are back! And the audience is part of the show in this dashing, zany and extraordinarily silly display of what truly makes a Manly Man!

NEW! Master Clifford Notes

The Renaissance Man who brings the classics to the masses. Come and see 4 ½ hours of Hamlet smashed into 30 minutes and played by one man. BUT be careful you just might learn something while laughing uproariously!

NEW! Mayura Natya

Translated from Sanskrit, their name means Peacock Dance. This dance group showcases a vibrant experience in Indian Classical and Folk dance from along the Silk Road. Join them for a mesmerizing interpretation of an ancient art form.

Merlin's Magic, Mirth, and Imagination

Merlin's conjures up wit and wizardry that will delight all faire goers. This unique potion of comedy, magic, and audience participation will cast a spell of laughter over you.

NEW! A Midsummer's Nightmare

A band of exuberant traveling actors, the Rude Mechanicals perform this Shakespearean tale throughout the shire.

MooNiE the Magnif'Cent

The Mischievous Master of movement and surprise presents a laugh-filled show of comedy, juggling, and rope walking, while uttering nary a word.

Queen's Show (NEW STORY)

Come join the good folk of Port Deptford as we welcome and celebrate the arrival of our beautiful young monarch Queen Elizabeth. As wise as she is lovely, the banners will wave and cheers will ring out as noble and commoner alike gather to greet our beloved Gloriana with a rousing….. God Save the Queen! And…. it is time too for Lord Mayor Thadeus Foote and his council to show what they are made of. The fate of Port Deptford lies in the balance. If they fail what lies in store for our favorite port city………..? Laughter, romance and daring feats are to be expected as all vie for the good will of this glorious royal maiden!

NEW! Shakespeare's Scottish Play

The Crescent Troupe discovers a curse on the great Bard’s newest script as they try to bring the story to life.  Will anyone survive this comical farce?

(There may be blood)

Suspended Reality

Open your mind and enter the realm of imagination where the faeries have come to Port Deptford to entertain the Queen. Watch as Airiana dances high above the crowd performing daring feats of aerial acrobatics, utilizing hoops and ribbons. This graceful demonstration of aerial ballet and dance will amaze those who dream of the fae.

Tea with the Queen

Enjoy a chance to sit down with Queen Elizabeth I and taste elegant treats and delicious tea. You never know who might drop by to entertain Her Majesty.  (click above link for menu, prices, and reservation details)

The Van Kleaver Brothers

Blades and jokes fly as these two ridiculous knife throwing Dutch brothers risk their lives for your laughter. The flaming filleting finale is not to be missed!

A Taste of Performance Variety Show

No one can see every show at Faire in one day… Here is your chance to sample what the Faire has to offer in form of entertainment. Every Saturday toward end of day, three or four acts from around faire will be presented with either a section of their existing stage show or maybe something completely fresh and new!  Come see what you may have missed!

The Washing Well Wenches

This naughty and tempestuous twosome will win your hearts with a rollicking, laugh-filled, one-of-a-kind show. You will want them to be your very own Washer-A-Womin!

Ye English Vs. Ye Celts - Battle to the Death

Come see the classic clash of mighty warriors on our field of battle everyday at high noon. Be ye British or be ye Celt come cheer for you favorite

Music 2010

Ad Hoc Consort

Travel back in time and explore the amazing world of early instruments. Dancing along is strongly encouraged.

Baba Ku

Baba Ku is a Middle Eastern music ensemble that performs with authentic instruments that date from before the Renaissance. Their exotic sounds will sweep you away to distant lands where poets found solace and inspiration in moonlit rose gardens.

Brigid's Daughters

These two British sisters really should have been born Italian! Fascinated by the beauty and romance of Italy, they roam the fair singing their madrigals of love while trying to catch an Italian husband! Any takers?

Dread Crew of Oddwood

This band of rough and tough young swashbucklers are sure to catch the eyes of all the ladies and the ears of the entire shire with their sea shanties from England, Ireland and other far off ports.

Glenn Morgan

Glenn Morgan has been a familiar site at the California Renaissance Pleasure faire for a number of years now. Come and find him in the streets of Port Deptford as he shows you his Mastery of the beautiful and enchanting Hammered Dulcimer.

Mary Mandolin
Mary has taken her instrument of choice into the streets of Port Deptford.The sound of her Mandolin is sure to charm and delight you as you shop and stroll along with your family and friends.

Odd's Bodkin

A new group comprised of Kenny Klein, Anna Klein and Stephanie Mitchell, play original and traditional songs in the vein of British Folk, Irish fiddle tunes, Sea Shanties, and laments for lost Goth Girl love. At times eerie, at times somber, and at times wacky.

Owain Phyfe

Vocalist, instrumentalist, and composer, almost always performs with an unusual guitar tucked under his arm, the chitarra battente, often called the "renaissance guitar".  This year he will be joined by Michael Gartner of Wolgemut and together they will create a treat for your ears

Patrice Ruane

Performing on a lovely bentside spinet, Patrice Ruane’s extensive repertoire includes lively Irish tunes, classical ballads and sprightly children’s music.

Richard Van Healy

Keep your ears open and you'll be delighted to discover the wonderful melodies played on the fiddle by our talented Celtic fiddler Richard Van Healy.

NEW! Sal Laguna

You may spy him in the streets with his bag of historic instruments, and marvel at the music he makes.

NEW! Rowan and Wood

(description to be added)

Serenata

The very Italian and very lovely Martinelli sisters and their beautiful voices are sure to charm you as they sing you the songs of their homeland and a few from lands they have visited on their journey to England to sing for the Queen herself.

Sportive Tricks

Join this group of Port Deptford citizens as they come together throughout the day to sing songs of love, country life, drinking and mayhem instead of working.

Liam Thomas

Enjoy the lyrical stylings of Liam Thomas as he wanders through the faire performing ballads, popular songs and dance tunes from England.

Wren of Iniquity

Join this group of shire folk as they bring the old story songs of the common man, the farmer, the milk maid and the tinker to life. Listen on as their voices weave you a tale of the everyday life of the Renaissance man.

Kids' Kingdom 2010

Create Your Own Adventure

Your kids will love creating a new and unique version of classic fairytales with our Story teller.

Foolish Fractured Fairy Tales

Every day, children are invited to vie for the fun-filled and mischievous title of the Prince or Princess of Misrule. Presented by the Court of Misrule-prepare for fun and hi-jinx.

Happily Ever After

The Kids Kingdom Characters gather with your children to discuss the lessons learned throughout the day.

Interactive Crafts

Join the wonderful characters of Kids Kingdom as they show you and your children a new and fun craft making project everyday! Treasure Maps, Puppets and Paper Flowers are just a taste of the fun.

Knighting Ceremony

Be made a Knight or Lady of the Realm by the hand of Queen Elizabeth herself!

Merlin's Magic, Mirth, and Imagination

Merlin's conjures up wit and wizardry that will delight all faire goers. This unique potion of comedy, magic, and audience participation will cast a spell of laughter over you.

NEW! P's and Q's of Hobnobbing with Royalty
Learn how to mind your P's and Q's with the Royalty as only the Wicked Step Sisters can show you.

Pied Piper Pagent

A children's interactive play telling the story of the Pied Piper of Hamlin. Children will portray both rats and actual children in this retelling of the classic tale.

Families Take Note 2010

The following shows may contain adult themes or content!

Commedia Volante

Always full of surprises, our whimsical masters of Commedia dell' Arte are back with an all new comedic tour de force, L'elisir D'amore (PG 13), where you can't resist joining in the fun!

The Merry Wives of Windsor

These Lusty Serving Wenches return to the Faire serving bawdy songs and plenty of good cheer! NC-17 when performing on the Rogue's Reef Stage. PG-13 when performing on the Royal Music Stage.

Poxy Boggards

This self-described "drinking group with a singing problem" will delight you with their bawdy songs and naughty antics. NC-17 when performing on the Rogue's Reef Stage. PG-13 when performing on the Royal Music Stage.

Pye Powder Court

Always full of surprises and antic accusations. This bawdy, raucous bit of revelry is the longest continuously performed show at Faire. Performed on the Rogue's Reef Stage.

NEW! Two Players of Verona

Two players, alike in dignity, or lack there of, invite the audience to direct them in the Shakespearean play of their choice. Portraying all the roles is no mean trick. Only a fool, or two, would attempt such a feat. Get involved and have some fun with this delirious duo. NC-17 when performing on the Rogue's Reef Stage. PG-13 when performing on the Port Deptford.

Our Featured Characters 2010

Queen Elizabeth I, our beautiful, young, yet eminently wise monarch, is bringing pomp and ceremony, laughter and joy to our Port City.

Her Majesty's Master of the Horse and possibly keeper of her heart, The Earl of Leicester.

The adventurous and heroic Sir Francis Drake circumnavigates the faire all day.

Outspoken Irish Courtier Grace O'Malley has taken a break from piracy to visit the Queen.

Visiting Playwrights: The accomplished Christopher Marlowe and the aspiring Master William Shakespeare are in Port Deptford seeking inspiration and funding.

Here to make sure the entertainment is up to par is Master Edmund Tilney, Her Majesty's Master of the Revels.

Thaddeus Foote, owner of the largest shipping fleet, head of Banking regulations, founder of the Foote Family Bank is now Mayor. How can someone so bumbling juggle so many duties?

Our lovely and pure May Queen and her Revelers spread frivolity as they go.

Alderman Everyman, Alderman of our shire is concerned for you and looking out for you. Of course this doesn't mean he likes you...

Sheriff Bungle, the less than competent Sheriff. His pay? Bungle's tab is covered by the council of Port Deptford.

Marotte, the Queen's Royal Jester, is taking the streets of our shire by storm.........look out for laughter with a chance of insanity.

Beppo, the Buffoon

Lady Phoebe Scratchett, our extravagant socialite.  Yet underneath she is the voice of the people in the midst of Port Deptford's corruption.

Don Guesseppe, Harbor Master for a short while......time is short for him to impress the townspeople. Just don't make fun of his stature; he has a short temper and a short fuse.

Pretentia Sarah Foote is blazing a trail for the Morality Movement, leading the way for her tea party and her political career. Now she just needs a map!

Angus McHurley, our Barber Surgeon..."God's gift to good health" has just invented...... dentistry! It's going to be big in England!

Luicus Nostradamus-Smythe grand-nephew of the legendary Nostradamus de Michele has been hired by the Mayor as his personal advisor.

He's solved the famous Apple Controversy! Ask him how. Our lovable Gaffer Applewright.

Step-sisters Fifi and Mimi are Wicked as the day is long. They are here to find their Prince charming (because they scared off all the ones back home)

The itinerant peddler and his plethorous pack, Chamber Potts, the Tinker. (The 'H' is silent.)

A beautiful lass from Ireland, Melissa Peeling, The Widow Miller, will enchant you with song and some town gossip.

Bubble bubble toil and trouble will be a'brewing for everyone with these 3 lovely ladies upon whom Shakespeare will later base his 3 Witches in that Scottish play.

Guilds and Troupes 2010

The guilds & troupes of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire are performance groups portraying various facets of Elizabethan life. Click on the name to go to their official website, where available. Contact information is available if you'd like more information on joining or auditioning for that Guild or Troupe.

Circus Of Invention

"The Future is Now"! From Leonardo di Vinci's latest flying contraption to wooden shoes on wheels theses wacky inventors entertain and mystify you with their visions of the future.

Director: Robert Beatie

Email: rob@wyld-wings.com

Commedia Volante

Straight from Venezia to your face. Join this group of traditional Commedia dell' Arte actors as they prepare their latest play for Her Majesty. Come by and get some "Free Italian Advice". Step upon "The Carpet of Truth". Enjoy some traditional Italian songs and games. After spending time with the zany Martinelli family, you'll be sure to be saying, "Mamma Mia!"

Director: Roxanne Dungereaux

Email: Roxanne.Dungereaux@gmail.com

Country Garden Dancers

This dance troupe is dedicated to the performance of vigorous, exhilarating dance in the  English-Country tradition and pushes the boundaries of this style with original dances that include ribbon set-pieces and floral-garlands.  CGD proudly continues the custom of maidens wrapping the Maypole as a symbol of a-maying, spring-time and fertility.
Director: Barbara Nanning

Email: widowjuggs@go.com

The Court Of Misrule - Fool's Guild

Delight in the antics of these lively fools and merrymakers as they spread fun and merriment throughout the Shire.

Director: Shawna McClellan

Email: mymunki@yahoo.com

Danse Macabre

Even in the most festive villages, the Plague could always rear its ugly head and spoil our play. Join these dancers in the street as they trick death away from our Shire and remind us to live each day to the fullest.

Director: Bob Fox

Email: cyberbobfx@aol.com

The Florentines of San Lorenzo

Florence: The Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to the d'Medici family, infamous leaders of Tuscany; patrons of the finest artists, architects and scholars; and world-renown arbiters of style and grandeur. Ambassadors from the d'Medici family have arrived at Port Deptford with a colorful contingent of Italian lords and ladies, soldiers, swordsmen and artists. Learn the methods and techniques of the rapier and arming sword, enjoy a reading of beauteous Italian literature, watch a Florentine court portrait artist ply his craft, or discover what the Renaissance Florentines knew about herbs, plants and medicine. As the saying goes, "Everyone wants to be a Medici." Come see for yourself.

Guildmaster: Pax Smith

Email: Paximus@aol.com

The Gentlemen Adventurers

The patriots, Heroes and Explorers of Elizabeth's England! See these military officers and gentlemen take to the streets conducting personal duels and practicing their swordplay.

Guildmaster: Steven Leon

Email: steven_leon@verizon.net

Guild of St. Andrews - Clan MacColin

This lively clan of Scottish singers, dancers, musicians, and soldiers demonstrate their slice of life in their interactive camp, entertain with their high stepping dance show and thrill with their skills in battle on the Tournament field.

Guildmaster: Steve Gillan

Email: Colinchief@hotmail.com

Guild of St. Cuthbert - Parades and Pageants

These lively village peasants present colorful parades, pageants and pleasant pastimes in the streets, as well as host the Tea with the Queen.

Guildemaster: Sue Honor

Email: suehonor@pacbell.net

Guild of St. Helena - The Peasant Guild

The back bone of 16th century society, these lively folks are sure to entertain you as they frolic in the streets of Port Deptford.

Guildemaster: R. Merlin

Email: myrrhlyn9@yahoo.com

The Guild of St. Ives - The Townsfolke

Spend time in an Elizabethan Village with the towns folk as they work their trades, demonstrate daily life (good and bad) and prepare for the coming of their Queen.
Guildmaster: Donna Flood

Email: dflood@ccis.com

Guild of St. Michael - The Military

The fierce, hardy soldiers and camp followers are found in this encampment, battling in the Arena, and escorting Her Majesty, The Queen. Stop by before 1:00 PM and your kids can train and march with the Queen's military and even join the show at the Queen's Royal Joust.

Guildmaster: "AJ" Johnson

Email: Aaron_Johnson@verizon.net

Kids' Kingdom

There are wonderful family-friendly activities all over Faire, but nowhere greater than in the magical land known as Kids' Kingdom. Kids of all ages will have an amazing time with games, crafts, story-telling, songs, shows, and our magical Kids' Kingdom characters. Special guests visit Kids' Kingdom throughout the day, the Ship's Musician with tales from the sea, Hansel trying to find his sister Gretel, the mystical Story Teller spinning stories older than time, as well as other favorite characters from traditional storybook tales. Kids of all ages are invited to join in the fun and the magic!
Director: Mistress Annie Hunter

Email: butterflybiggins@aol.com

Court of the May

The May Queen and her court of May Revelers are a group of mischievous maidens merrily making mayhem. A direct descendent of the mystical Queen Mab, the Queen of the May Celebration celebrates the coming of spring with music, dance and street comedy. Travelers be warned, none are safe from the May Queen's clutches!
Contact the Entertainment Office

Email: renfairentertainment@yahoo.com

Norwhich Waits

If you're a musician looking to help bring to life fanfare at the Renaissance Faire than this is your group. Norwhich Waits is the official Queen's band as well as the official Joust trumpeters. You will also see them in many of the parades, shows and at the Courtly Dance performance in the Queen's Court area.

Director: Tom Axworthy

Email: scemc@earthlink.net

The Privateers

Across the seas to wild, untamed lands they've sailed. They've returned with booty untold. They've pillaged the Spanish main for the glory of Her Majesty and have now returned with booty and plunder that they need to unload discreetly! These salty creatures of the sea are always ready with a yarn to spin... just be careful they don't steal your purse when your back is turned.

Director: Willow Hawker

Email: willabark@hotmail.com

Puritans

Pay heed to their stern warnings and colorful preachings against excess fun and frivolity but remember they do not always practice what they preach!
Director: Nick Balbas

Email: nickbalbas@aol.com

The Queen's Court

- Join the glittering court of Elizabeth Gloriana in the Nobles' Glade and throughout the Faire.

- Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I, calls forth all young lads and lasses to be knighted on the Children's stage each afternoon.

- Come feel the thrill and see the spectacle that is the Queen's royal progress as it winds it's way across Faire

Co-Guildmasters: Laura Willis-Kephart & Terri Casey

Email: nepthys@earthlink.net (Laura) & auntiegertus@yahoo.com (Terri)

RenQuest

Experience RenQuest, a bold new action quest at the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire. RenQuest delights gamers with an abundance of profound and absurd riddles, clues, spells and hunts. Players directly interact with faire performers, artisans, merchants, and all matter of various magical creatures. Earn points, collect rewards and ultimately test your mental abilities and physical acuity by solving the mystery of the Dragon's Egg.

Directors: Ron Sharp

Email: switchblade.slinger@gmail.com

St. Nicholas Home for Wayward Children

Babies built the Renaissance. At St. Nicholas Home for Wayward Children, you'll meet lots of tots in authentic Renaissance wear, playing authentic games.

The Town Criers

Meet these unmistakable characters in the street or at the guildhall. With bright sashes and bells, The Town Criers part the parade's way and cry the news of the day throughout the shire.

Director: Heidi Halsell

Email: heidibug1976@hotmail.com

The Village Mongers

Barter with a frolicsome fishwife, a clattering tinker or a bumbling barber- surgeon during morning market for some of the most interesting wares in the Shire!

Guildmaster: Diana Kaufman

Email: dtkaufman@gmail.com

The Washerwomen

Caution, you may get wet! - Wit, Water & Song fly freely at the washing well. Laundry, and laughter is the life-blood of these lively women.

Director: Angela Allen

Email: bucketandcudgel@gmail.com

Yeomen of The Queen's Guard

The Queen's loyal and valiant guard match wits with our guests, woo the ladies and escort Her Majesty through the Faire.

Guildmaster: Gordon Bradley

Email: biggb@jps.net