Kay Rouse
Storytelling, Chandlery, Games & Eye Magic!
Periods covered: Late medieval, pre-reformation Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Dickensian, Edwardian, WW2 Home Front
Contact: Kay Rouse
0208 856 8287
Storytelling
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While many of my storytelling is still based in the Old World, plague and exile bring hints of the New and exotic glimpses begin to appear... Presentations can, as always, be themed to season or venue, tailored to special interest groups and made suitable for all ages. |
My recent 'Short Sharp Shakespeare' brought Macbeth to Year 5 pupils for the opening of the new library at Erith in Kent: spells, witches, ghosts and betrayals did seem very familiar topics to them... An ongoing project looks at the language and the expressions of Shakespeare's that we still use.
'The Art of Witch-pricking (& other Tested Methods)' looks at fears and accusations of witchcraft that swept the country. I cover all the established ways to confirm a reported witch: searching, watching, trussing, walking, starving. I explore the proper manner in which the accused should be investigated, with due weight and description given to the important question of swimming. I look at the nature of their inevitable confessions, consider their practices, imps and familiars. While pins will sometimes do I have a proper pricker commissioned for me in order to demonstrate the infallible usefulness of this tool.
Chandlery
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Together with my partner I show many aspects of wax Chandlery from straining and dipping to use in polishes and cosmetics (though not, currently, the practical aspects of embalming…) |
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Sealing Wax Activity: We have developed non toxic but otherwise historically accurate sealing wax in various period colours. |
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Children (and adults) have the opportunity to make their own wax impression choosing from a wide range of suitable replica seal designs - cast from Tudor & Stuart originals. Their set impression on linen tape can then be taken home as a keepsake. |
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Games
We also demonstrate traditional Games: gambling, puzzles or games of skill and introduce those 'obscure' games like 'Noddy' that appear - and become Cribbage. As ever there is the opportunity for hands–on participation by both children and adults.
Workshop Activity:Many board games can be made - using our templates and then decorated in period style to suit - as well as simple teetotum spinners and other toys or games.
Eye Magic!
Our latest presentation traces a timeline of optical implements and entertainments
Travelling Peep-box
(or raree) shows grew in popularity through both the Stuart & Georgian periods and featured exotic scenes, patriotic events or best sellers: Our gabled oak box currently features hand coloured panes showing ‘The History of Robinson Crusoe’ (we intend to add the sinking ship by use of gallery wires). Here, right, the box set up, a stack of panes and the view through an eye-hole.
We do also have further 'shows in production'...
