French for the French, England for the English”

In the white heat of the middle ages, nations are being formed in the battlefields of France: the aristocracy are divided, the prince uncrowned. In to this melee, steps Joan, a hero for the times.  A hero: or a heretic, a witch, a useful fool? Even as she brings her nation together, forces are conspiring against her.

Listen to Shaw’s Saint Joan, a contemporary version of the story where visions of nationhood and faith threaten to disrupt tradition and patriarchy.  Saint Joan addresses ideas of identity and power that are as fresh today as they were vital in the 15th century.

Recorded live and remotely during COVID lockdown.

Part 2

Scene IV – The Earl of Warwick’s Tent in the English Camp – a conspiracy emerges between the French, the English and the church. 

Scene V – The Ambulatory of Rheims Cathedral – the prince is crowned, do the French back Joan’s desire for military victory, or do they sue for peace?

Cast

Rachel Smith - JOAN

Ellen Publicover - DUNIOS

Fleur Yerbury-Hodgson - ARCHBISHOP of Rheims

David Guthrie - STEWARD, EXECUTIONER, SENTRY

Matthew Addis - DAUPHIN  / Charles VII

Matt Blurton - Peter CAUCHON

Richard Readshaw - Earl of WARWICK

Gavin Gaughan - SOLDIER, BLUEBEARD, Brother Martin Ladvenu

Nick Smith - Thomas de COURCELLES, LA TREMOUILLE, Constable of France

Tim Eyres - De Stogumber

Jonathan Kay - D'Estivat, Gentleman

Gloria Wright - Robert de Baudricourt, Inquisitor

Joshua Wedge - LA HIRE/Bertrand de POULENGEY

Directors: Mike Taylor, Liz Burton

Technical director: Dominic Hargreaves