‘ERE COME (AND EAR GO) THE TYRANNICAL TUDORS!

Meet John Thomas, the partly earless 16th century ex-launderer of monks’ habits, wondering where York’s St Mary’s Abbey has gone.

The York Dungeon’s new ‘Tyrannical Tudors’ show, opening on 4 April, promises some rip-roaring merriment as well as bringing those on the receiving end of King Henry VIII’s wrath vividly to life.

If you were impoverished in Tudor times and begged in the wrong part of York, you could expect to be whipped, lose part of an ear or even incur the death penalty – especially after Yorkshire’s rebellion during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries – which included St Mary’s Abbey in York.

Now the York Dungeon team is bringing this period of history back to compelling but humorous life, and you can view it, feel it and interact with it from the relative safety of a new floor at the Dungeon dealing purely with the tyrannical Tudors.

The new live show will include plenty of gripping storytelling involving all the senses as actors relive 1541, when York was enduring hard times at Henry’s hands. There will also be a liberal dose of rascalish fun and cheeky opportunities for audience interaction, which is always at the heart of every unique York Dungeon experience.

Actor Daniel James Elmes plays John Thomas in the new show, and is really excited about his new role: “The character I play hasn’t lost his sense of humour, despite great adversity, and we know visitors will love this new show. We want them to feel as if they’re back in 1541 with us, but they’re going to laugh a lot, too.”

The York Dungeon’s new Tyrannical Tudors show is part of an action-packed, 75-minute tour, full of actor-led performances bringing York’s own 2000-year history back to life. With audience interaction and some highly amusing special effects, there won’t be a quiet moment at York’s must-see attraction for families.

Tickets can be pre-booked for the Easter holidays, taking advantage of a special saving of £5.90 on normal prices. Early booking offers can be found at www.thedungeons.com/york

ENDS

PHOTO: John Thomas, punished for begging after Henry VIII destroyed St Mary’s Abbey, surveys the ruins of his former workplace

NOTES TO EDITORS

A press-exclusive preview event will be held at York Dungeon on Wednesday 2 April, from 10.30am to 13.00, with opportunities to meet and photograph the actors taking part in the new Tyrannical Tudors show. Free family press passes will also be available along with a Tudor-inspired treat!

For further media information please contact Bridget Summers, Footprint PR, on 01723 447424 or email bridget@footprintpr.org.uk