King's Player 

King's Player was first created in a lounge room in London. This followed a period of work with The Medieval Players in the UK, in which I suddenly learnt a lot about the world of Medieval theatre. Coming from Australia, I hadn't had much of a context for anything medieval and as such it was a big and mysterious world for me to dive into.

I was struck by how similar the lives of performers were then and now. With the obvious exceptions of having trucks instead of horses and not really facing much prospect of getting your eyes put out for offending the wrong people, the broad picture hasn't changed much. Then as now performers moved in quite esteemed circles whilst also sitting at the lower end of the social scale. Then as now they were viewed with pleasure but some suspicion, as prostitutes of loose morals and doubtful trustworthiness. They were the news bringers and the carriers of oral history. Then as now they were predominantly poor.

All of this reverberated strongly with me and I resolved to create a solo show about medieval performers.

I promptly set off on a 12 month sojourn in italy and france with the back of my hand placed artistically against my forehead.. "to write my one man show". 12 months later I had done so and it was irredeemably crap, didactic and dull. It never got produced thankfully enough but it did spawn another idea.

Whilst in search of a good example of a medieval court performance someone (bless them) suggested I look at Hamlet and the play within the play. I did so and wondered as to whether my vagabond might not have been in the company that performed for hamlet, that he could reminisce on the vagaries of political theatre, and then finally that maybe he should be heading towards that gig. That this could represent his greatest opportunity and greatest threat. Thus King's Player was born.

It was produced first (1993) in said lounge room, lasted 20 minutes (including interval) and was met with encouragement. It then went on to London Fringe at the White Bear Theatre. More encouragement. It was then further developed (predominantly in lounge rooms) and toured around the UK to 30 venues.

From that point in 1994 it has not looked back and continues to tour regularly. It has toured the UK twice, and in Australia has toured regionally in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. It has done seasons in London, Melbourne and Wellington, NZ., and various festivals around Aus.

It represents the old shoe of the Pelican repertoire, always comfortable and well worn in. Very easy to wear and very portable (fits in a small wooden box).

See notes for tech details