On Sunday 16th September 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, the Barns of Knebworth House will be transformed into an indoor theatre as Hertfordshire-based professional theatre company Pins & Feathers present “ The March ”.
Tickets are available at www.knebworthhouse.com
“The March” is a lively and thought-provoking drama with music, commemorating the centenary of women gaining the vote (though not all women) in the national elections, and the key part played by the Lytton’s of Knebworth in the campaign. The play runs for approximately 1-hour-45 to 2-hours and is suitable for age 11 upwards.
The Indoor Theatre follows on from the two spectacular Garden Theatre shows that were held at Knebworth House, performed by two award winning theatre groups: “The Tempest” performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men and “Dr Dolittle” performed by Illyria.
Year 1910. Fifteen year old Cissy Walters has had enough. While her mother Georgina is a tireless campaigner with the Herts Women’s Suffrage Society, Cissy is convinced the time for meetings and letter writing is over. Inspired by Lady Constance, she is determined to join Mrs Pankhurst’s Suffragette army in London. But what will be the cost to her and her family?
“The March” is based on the real-life stories of the women who fought for the vote – from Lady Constance Lytton who endured prison and force-feeding, to the non-militant Suffragists who spread the message in every town and village.
The play features the extraordinary Great Pilgrimage of 1913, in which thousands of women from all over the country marched to London to demonstrate peaceful mass support for the vote, showing the true power of women on the move. Marchers coming down the Great North Road passed through the village of Knebworth itself – adding another element to the key role that the Lytton family and Knebworth House played in winning the vote for women.
For the evening performance there will be a Q & A with the cast, director, writer, Knebworth House archives team and Henry Lytton Cobbold for half an hour.
Earliest entry to the Park is 30-minutes before the performance begins. There is the option to include a discounted House, Park & Gardens admission ticket, allowing visitors all day entry from when the Park & Gardens open at 11:00 AM and the House will be open from 12:00 noon to 6:15 PM, last admission 5:30 PM.
House admission includes the display in the house, which will provide more information about the story of Hertfordshire’s own Suffragette, Lady Constance Lytton and features documents and photos from her family’s archive at Knebworth House.
The Garden Terrace Tea Room will be open from 11:00 AM to 6:15 PM. There will be a bar that will also be serving hot drinks available pre-show & during the interval.
For more information and ticketing please visit the Knebworth House website www.knebworthhouse.com, or phone the Estate Office on 01438 812661.