Release your inner Anglo-Saxon!
Published Monday 18th July 11 in Council - news and information releases news
A dynamic, exciting live outdoor theatre production is coming to Priory Park for one performance only on Sunday 24th July.
This spectacular, free and family-friendly event is an energetic portrayal of the ancient legend of the Anglo-Saxon hero, Beowulf.
It starts at 4pm in the dell area of the North Field at Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend.
This performance is part of the 2012 Open Weekend events programmed across the country as part of the Cultural Olympiad.
Schools and community groups throughout Southend have been working on the Beowulf project in a variety of ways for many months, and Southend Museum Service has run workshops and events around the famous Anglo Saxon poem
Professional and amateur performers will join for this the open air show, accompanied by Southend Boys' and Girls' Choirs, singing an atmospheric original score by David Stanley
The Anglo Saxon World of Beowulf is an epic tale of warriors, kings, monsters and dragons. It has been told in England since around 600700 A.D. when the Anglo Saxon settlers first brought stories with them from their homeland.
This retelling of Beowulf's story is gathered from other storytelling versions, translations, writers and poets. The story, though ancient, is still just as powerful as it ever was. It is the tale of a brave and powerful warrior, loyal to the needs of the people and willing to take on anyone or anything who threatened the land.
The audience will see the story recounted, just as the Anglo Saxons would have gathered together to hear this incredible story of an incredible man.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: "We hope as many people as possible will come along to enjoy this unique and very special performance.
"The choice of Priory Park as a venue is particularly pertinent as Royal Saxon Tomb of the Prittlewell Prince was discovered by archaeologists in land to the northeast of the park in 2003.
"It was the largest chambered tomb ever discovered in England and was full of riches of copper, gold, silver and iron objects. Prittlewell - and what is now the park - was clearly a very significant location for the Anglo Saxon people.
"Bring some chairs and a picnic and make the most of this wonderfully mystic and theatrical afternoon in the park!"