The Maid of the Oaks - World Premiere Performance 2007
Pictures from The Maid of the Oaks during its World Premier performance at Honeywood on 17 May 2007. Written by Peter Davalle and presented by Peter and Joan Davalle for the Friends of the Heritage Centre, the work was hugely enjoyed by a capacity audience.
The Maid of the Oaks double bill is an evocation, in words and music, with a cast of seven performers, of an 18th century spectacle based on documentary evidence and eye-witness reports.
Part 1 tells the story of the 1774 Fête Champêtre in Oaks Park held to mark the betrothal of Lord Stanley, owner of The Oaks, and Lady Betty Hamilton, a relative of Lord Hamilton whose wife was the mistress of Lord Nelson.
In part 2 the action moves to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane where, the following year, the musical comedy ‘The Maid of the Oaks’ by General Burgoyne, was performed for the first time in public.
The Maid of the Oaks double bill is an evocation, in words and music, with a cast of seven performers, of an 18th century spectacle based on documentary evidence and eye-witness reports.
Part 1 tells the story of the 1774 Fête Champêtre in Oaks Park held to mark the betrothal of Lord Stanley, owner of The Oaks, and Lady Betty Hamilton, a relative of Lord Hamilton whose wife was the mistress of Lord Nelson.
In part 2 the action moves to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane where, the following year, the musical comedy ‘The Maid of the Oaks’ by General Burgoyne, was performed for the first time in public.
In front of a 'sell-out', and hugely appreciative, audience are the cast (left to right):
Peter and Joan Davalle, John Priest, Paul and Shirley Williams, and John and Sue Horne
Compere Mike Bale, Chairman of
The Friends of the Heritage Centre
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The performance in progress
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The cast stand to take well-deserved applause at the end of the performance
All images and the text above are Copyright © David Archer and The Friends of Honeywood Museum
Maid of the Oaks - book launch 2007
Paul Williams's long-awaited book The Long and the Short of General Burgoyne's Maid of the Oaks was formally launched at a reception at Honeywood Museum on the 4 October 2007. The author dedicated and signed copies of his work for those who attended.
Author Paul Williams with two fans
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Paul Williams signing a copy of his book
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Able assistant Jane Howard, the Curator
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And another!
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The queue for the author's autograph!
All images and the text above are Copyright © The Friends of Honeywood Museum
