The world’s best preserved original Magna Carta document (Latin for “Great Charter”, created in 1215) is on permanent display in the beautiful 13th-century Salisbury Cathedral.

It’s deliciously and symmetrically fitting that the world premiere of these powerful and thought-provoking original short plays should be presented in Salisbury Playhouse.

All four pieces are bold, provocative, irreverently amusing, and utterly relevant today.

In Anders Lustgarten’s Kingmakers, times are hard and power is in the hands of the elite, but is the period 1215 or now? The language is a gorgeous mix of classic iambic pentameter and edgy modern touches.

Howard Brenton’s Ransomed is a fresh, pacy crime-comedy featuring the theft of Magna Carta, but also examining our perception of the police, the influence of Russian oligarchs in Britain today, and the shocking impact of austerity cuts.

Set in the near-future, Timberlake Wertenbaker’s We Sell Right is a movingly brilliant exposure where our assets and natural resources (including air!) are sold off to the highest bidder. With just three characters, a darkened stage, and dramatic echo on the voices, this challenging play explores the manipulation of language and the elimination of concepts, with “Justice” the final victim.

As our society is under intense pressure from financial crises, religious fundamentalism, environmental threats, increasing immigration, and government dictatorship, reconnecting with the human (and humane) Magna Carta is essential.

These extraordinary Magna Carta Plays run until November 7, matinees Thursdays and Saturdays. Unmissable!

Brendan McCusker