Join us for a spectacular evening of food, drama, and sound and light projection. We present the story of Gawain and the Green Knight, one of the most famous tales of the court of King Arthur. Set around Christmas-tide, Gawain takes a challenge from the Green Knight, to strike the Green Knight with his axe and receive a return blow in a year and a day. Gawain beheads the knight, who picks up his head and walks away. Gawain spends a year proving his knightly virtues against all temptation before the final showdown with the Green Knight. Key scenes from the story, prepared by Durham’s Mike Huxtable and Newcastle’s Aditi Nafde, will be read by members of the Durham Shakespeare Society and friends, coming together as the Blackfriars Players.
The original poem survives in only a single manuscript copy. The author is unknown but the poem dates from around 1400. This is the same date as the royal cookbook of England, the Forme of Cury, of which an important copy is held in Durham. Expertly curated by Florence Swan and Giles Gasper, the meal will feature signature dishes from the period, adapted and re-created for the occasion by Blackfriars Restaurant’s chefs.
The show will also include the magical artistry of The Projection Studio, Ross Ashton and Karen Monid, to bring the world of the Green Knight to life. Come and join the Christmas fun – and beware a Green Knight offering you a challenge!
WHERE: Blackfriars Kings Suite (please note this is on the first floor and can only be accessed by stairs)
TIMES: Arrivals from 7pm for a 7:30pm start.
COST: £45 to include performance, accompanying meal and coffee
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements, conditions we should know about or any other specific requests.
BLACKFRIARS EVENTS & COURSES SELL OUT QUICKLY SO BOOK NOW!
Please note; if it shows no online availability, the event is sold out.
* Gawain and the Green Knight is a collaboration between Durham University and Blackfriars Restaurant, as part of Eat Medieval, supported by the University’s Heritage 360 research initiative, and the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies; and with Aditi Nafde, University of Newcastle.
