Canterbury Tales

Synopsis

Canterbury Tales is a bawdy classic written 700 years ago, it centres on a group of pilgrims who entertain one another with stories as they ride to Canterbury Cathedral. But despite the apparently holy purpose of their journey these travellers reveal themselves as sinners rather than saints. The pilgrims contrasting and colourful backgrounds offer many different stories, from the serious and moral to the farcical and bawdy, proving that like Shakespeare after him, Chaucer was ‘not for an age but for all time .

Our Review:

19 May 2010

For an evening of bawdy humour of the type enjoyed 600 years ago, see Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales adapted for stage by Mike Poulton and performed by Northern Broadsides with the New Vic theatre.

In the uninhibited 14th century, they thought nothing of using words such as ‘farting’, ’arse’ and ‘swyving.' You don’t have to be an academic to work out what the latter means. Let’s just say there is plenty of farce-like bed hopping. Chaucer (Andy Cryer),  the narrator at the Tabard Inn, explains how the pub’s host organises a Britain’s got Talent style story-telling competition for those conducting a pilgrimage to Canterbury.He even offers a prize for the best tale – a free dinner.

I’d hate to be a judge. Had I been one, I certainly wouldn’t have chosen the far-fetched Kn...

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Latest User Review

Benjamin - 19 May 2010:

Brilliant production, everything you could want from a night at the theatre. Although how anyone could call the Knight's Tale "far fetched" is beyond me, especially when one of the tales is done as a mini opera! For me the Knight's Tale was the highlight, not everything has to make you scream with laughter. Well done Northern Broadsides....

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