Details

Two short 17th century comedies with music. 'Singing Simpkin' is first recorded in 1595 and may be the work of the clown-comedian Will Kemp, one of the founders and star performer of Shakespeare's company, the Chamberlain's Men. It was probably given in the theatre as an entertaining afterpiece, following one of the great dramatic tragedies of the day. 'Swabber' (partly read) was performed by Robert Cox and his company at London's Red Bull theatre in June 1653 when most of the playhouses were closed by order of Parliament. Both appear in Cox's collection of farces, jigs and drolls Actaeon and Diana 1655/6 A staged performance in period costume, introduced by Lucie Skeaping (presenter BBC Radio 3's Early Music Show, co-author of Singing Simpkin and Other Bawdy Jigs) and Tamsin Lewis (director of Passamezzo).

Cast/Performers

Lucie Skeaping, Tamsin Lewis