A wild reimagining of Shakespeare’s Richard III, featuring a stand up comic, a country western band, and a horse, of course. Staged in an intimate forest setting, Caravan Farm Theatre transforms Shakespeare’s history play into an immersive, improvisational, wickedly funny cabaret experience.
Ryan Beil stars as one of history’s most famous political malefactors: Richard Duke of Gloucester. On a bare stage under the warm glow of the spotlight, he unpacks his checkered career, relives his calamitous courtships, and contemplates his conscience – appearing in the form of a white horse. His monologue is by turns backed and hijacked by The Wailing Queens, an all-star country western band comprised of the 15th century’s most influential women: Queen Anne, Queen Margaret, Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of York. Like most women of recorded history, they have played the part of political pawns, their fates entwined with those of the men in their lives. But on this night, in this forest cabaret, they have something different in mind. Herstory indeed…
Part part stand-up confessional, part group therapy, part farewell party – RICHARD III The Last Hurrah is about our collective fascination with bad people doing bad things, and what happens when we are offered an alternative narrative.
Shows nightly (except for Mondays) at 7:30 pm
Running time: approx. 120 minutes, including one intermission
By WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Adapted by RYAN BEIL, YVETTE NOLAN, AND ESTELLE SHOOK
Directed by ESTELLE SHOOK
Assistant Director NIALL MCNEIL
With Musical Direction & Arrangement & Fiddle playing by AJINEEN SAGAL
Set & Costume Design by NARDA MCCARROLL
Dramaturgy by VICKI STROICH
Stage Managed by ALLISON SPEARIN
Assistant Stage Manager HANNAH ABBEY
Starring
RYAN BEIL, REBECCA AUERBACH, COLIN HEATH, DAWN PETTEN AND AJINEEN SAGAL
We are proud to serve an array of locally sourced food and beverages:
CRANNOG ALES (Backhand of God, Red Branch)$7
ARROWLEAF WINES FIELD SELECTION (Red & White) $7
MONTE LAKE (Cab Franc) $10
FARMING KARMA COCKTAILS (with or without vodka) $5/$10
FARMING KARMA SODAS $3
HOUSEMADE BLACKCURRENT LEMONADE (with or without vodka) $5/$10
RANCHO VIGNOLA ASSORTED SNACKS $5
HELMUTS DRY PEPPERONI $8
POPCORN $3
RAIN OR SHINE
All Caravan Farm Theatre performances are held outdoors. In the event of rain the show will be relocated to our dry and covered Rain Venue, ensuring that you see the full show in comfort.
SUMMER SHOW COMFORT TIPS
- The show lasts approximately 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission.
- It cools off at night so be sure to bring warm clothes.
- We have a licensed concession with beer, wine, coffee and snacks. Bring cash!
- We have heated, wheelchair accessible washrooms.
- Mobility parking is located at the end of the parking lot closest to the box office booth and is marked with blue signs.
- Caravan Farm Theatre is located in the countryside North-West of Armstrong. Please factor this into your driving time. If you have not visited before, we recommend that you print out a map and have it with you when you drive.
- Shows will not be held for latecomers.
- Dogs are not permitted at shows. Please leave them at home rather than in your car.
