THE remains of Winchester Castle, The Great Hall, will play host to a multi award-winning play.

Henry I tells the story of a spare royal son, Henry, who gets nothing after William the Conqueror dies. Henry’s sister remains faithful, but his older brothers scramble for power and England suffers. However, when Henry’s position changes when he seizes the crown in Winchester – the first and ancient capital of England – the world falls at his feet.

The play is being brought to life by Reading-based, community-led professional theatre company, Rabble Theatre from Wednesday, July 12 to Saturday, July 15.

The cast includes eight main characters, including Hollyoaks star Amy Conachan, and two child actors.

Hampshire Chronicle: Amy Conachan and Angelica Serra rehearsing for Henry I

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James Haskins, from Rabble Theatre, said: “The actors have been working so hard and giving it everything. We’re encompassing history going back about 1,000 years and taking the audience through an action-packed journey. It’s emotional, it’s funny and there are some really great fight scenes.

“It will be our Winchester debut. The Great Hall is incredibly fitting to the production, as Henry I spent much of his time in Winchester. The audience will be immersed into this medieval world that full of drama and lots of death too.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Toby Davies and Joseph Black rehearsing for Henry I

The adaptation has been written by the company’s associate writer, Beth Flintoff – an award-nominated playwright, director, teacher and community theatre maker who has worked with theatres, educational settings and other organisations across Hampshire and Berkshire.

Henry I is directed by the company’s associate director, Hal Chambers – an award-winning director, education facilitator, drama school director and puppetry director who trained at the University of Sussex and has worked with RADA and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has also directed a number of other works by Flintoff, including The Ballad of Maria Marten at Theatre Royal Winchester in 2020.

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Hampshire Chronicle: Henry I by Rabble Theatre rehearsals

The production is supported by public funding by Arts Council England, Play to the Crowd (the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers) and Hampshire County Council.

Rabble Theatre stages local stories that place women at the forefront and provides arts opportunities for people from low socio-economic backgrounds. This will be Rabble Theatre’s most ambitious production in the company’s decade of producing work.

Henry I will be performed at The Great Hall, in Winchester from Wednesday, July 12 to Saturday, July 15 at 7.30pm as well as 2.30pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday. Due to scenes of a violent nature, the recommended age is 12 plus.

Tickets are available from £16. For more information or to book go to theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.