Rebel with a cause – Chris Humphreys
All the world’s a stage, and on March 20 the ballroom of the Seven Stars will stand in for the wooden O of an Elizabethan theatre for a one night only performance of Shakespeare’s Rebel.
Written by actor and novelist Chris Humphreys, the play is a rollicking ride through the life and loves of John Lawley, the fictional fight arranger for Shakespeare. Chris explains that the play was born of an obsession with Hamlet, whom he played on stage, and his love of sword fighting.
To set the scene: It is 1599. London is on the brink of rebellion. John Lawley – a bit Bourne, a bit Bond, a bit Lord Flashheart in Blackadder – is in a bit of bother. He’s trying to help his mate Will finish the play that threatens to destroy him – Hamlet – and he wants the woman he loves back in his life.
The trouble is, he’s a drunk. He’s also bound to help his lord and master the Earl of Essex. “He was Queen Elizabeth’s favourite but in truth he was a bit of a prat,” explains Chris. “He was sent to Ireland to quell the rebellion and John Lawley – Englands finest swordsman – has to go and help. “ Meanwhile his lady love Tess is being pursued by a nobleman.
The play is based on the novel of the same name, one of many historical novels and thrillers Chris has written. He also wrote last year’s Totnes Fringe Festival surprise hit “Elizabeth and Essex“, which packed out the museum. Essex then is John now – local actor Stewart Mackenzie.
Rebel was written 15 years ago but Hamlet is clearly part of the zeitgeist – with the film of Hamnet, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s book about the death of Shakespeare’s son, and the modern day version of Hamlet, which happens to star Chris’s fellow Guildhall School of Drama graduate Art Malik. He plays Claudius. Now Totnes has its own Hamlet connection with both Art Malik and Chris living hereabouts.
After many years in Vancouver and Salt Spring Island, Chris decided to return to the UK. “I had been in rep in Exeter and Plymouth so knew Devon. I wanted to go back to a place with some creative life, a pulse, and wanted to get back to acting, as my novels had really taken over.”
Where better than Totnes, and what good timing, arriving in time to take part in the Fringe and join the Dartington Playgoers.
Shakespeare’s Rebel is a rehearsed reading – costumed and directed, but with scripts in hand – and Chris promises it will be theatrical, with rapier wit, rapier action, and a fart machine.
Buckle up!