1601: Conversation, as it was by the Social Fireside, in the Time of the Tudors

Please note: this recording contains strong language.

"1601," wrote Mark Twain, "is a supposititious conversation which takes place in Queen Elizabeth's closet in that year, between the Queen, Ben Jonson, Beaumont, Sir Walter Raleigh, the Duchess of Bilgewater, and one or two others ... If there is a decent word findable in it, it is because I overlooked it." 1601 depicts a highfalutin and earthy discussion between the Queen and her court about farting and a variety of sexual peccadillos, narrated disapprovingly and sanctimoniously by the Queen's Cup-Bearer, an eyewitness at "the Social Fireside." [Summary by Denny Sayers]

Cast: Introduction — Denny Sayers Narrator — Jonathan Horniblow The Queen — miette Beaumonte — David Lawrence Lady Margery Boothy — Kristin Hughes Lady Alice Dilberry, Ben Jonson, Lord Bacon — Ruth Golding Lady Helen — Philippa Sir Walter Ralegh — Mark F. Smith Shaxpur — Andy Minter