Trapped up in the tower to conceal you from sight, think back to the moments that led to this night.

UnderConstruction created a Christmas Performance with a difference at Oxford Castle in 2011.

Inspired by the age old Oxfordshire tradition of performing Mummer’s plays at Christmas time, UnderConstruction wove in and out of the Castle’s Christmas Market and regaled audiences with an exciting tale of imprisonment and heroism as the castle jesters tried save the Empress Matilda who was besieged, trapped in the castle tower, and in need of entertainment!

Cast & Team:

Empress Matilda: Bryony Neilson
Jesters Marcus Davis-Orrom, Guy Killner & Devane Boyd
George the Knight: Jeremy Allen
Baron Von Sparrowlion: Lee Woodward
Father Christmas: Richard Ward
Tamesis: Jodana Van Vuuren
Musicians: Sam Mabbett, Harry Abel & Nick Tingay

Director and Designer: Lizzy McBain
Script: Lee Woodward, Jeremy Allen & Lizzy McBain
Devised by The Company
Costumes: Harriet Moore & Lizzy McBain
Props: Lisa Thomas & Grace Hailstone
Floral Decoration: Helen Jacobs
Photographer: Robert Viglasky

UnderConstruction was commissioned to create an original performance for the grand opening of the refurbished Old Fire Station, which is home to the Arts at the Old Fire Station and Crisis Skylight in Oxford.

The company created animated tours throughout the building, inspired by its former uses as a Fire Station and Cornmarket since its original unveiling in 1894.

Cast & Team:

Director: Lizzy McBain
Research: Lizzy McBain, Poppy Richards, Jeremy Allen & Lee Woodward
Props & Dressing: Nena Parkes
Costumes: Harriet Moore
Production Assistants: Andrea Revesz & Lisa Thomas
Photography: Robert Viglasky

Performers:
Jeremy Allen
Lee Woodward
Gavin Moore
Marcus Davis-Orrom
Devane Boyd
Jodana Van Vuuren
Blayne George
Carina Hunshamar
Kiki Hopkins
Guy Killner
Celia Trovi
Julia Corbett

Remember; if you’re ever lost, retrace your footsteps

Performers from UnderConstruction Theatre Company led audiences on a journey throughout the beautiful city of Oxford in the summer of 2011, unravelling a mystery that still haunts its streets.

Reflecting back in time, the piece explored the idea that Oxford was and still is the original Wonderland, littered with eccentric and absorbing characters.

Cast & Team:

Christopher Wren: Lee Woodward
Susan Holder: Jodana Janse Van Vuuren
James Sadler: Gavin Moore
John Scott Haldane: Jeremy Allen
Naomi Mitchison: Elsa Petit

Director: Lizzy McBain
Assistant Director: Blayne George
Writers: Kamran Zeb, Jeremy Allen & Lizzy McBain
Devised by the company
Designer: Grace Hailstone
Graphic Designer: Tania Grillo
Musical Direction: Steph West
Photographer: Robert Viglasky