‘It is 1543 and we, the Carthusian Brotherhood, have a most terrible tale to tell. We know that this is a story that brings danger to all who hear it. But we also know that it is necessary for us to do so. For it is a story that will bring truth and light to bear on these most tumultuous and barbaric times in which we live.’

In the mid sixteenth century an event took place that was to mark the beginning of one of the most savage and important moments in English history. Central to this event was the story and the actions of a group of men who lived in silence just outside of Eastwood in a place called Beauvale. These men were Carthusians, their dwelling was Beauvale Charterhouse, and their story is one of sacrifice, of conscience, of betrayal and of turmoil.

The Cries of Silent Men told of this event, when the Carthusian brotherhood stood firm against the wishes and the power of one of the most famous men in history – King Henry VIII.

Funded by Arts Council England and Broxtowe Borough Council.

Dates
Thursday 29th, Friday 30th and Saturday 31st July
7:45pm

Cast

The Monks and the Introduction:
Prior Woodcock – Gordon Butler
Nicholas Dookmer – Ian Baxter
Richard Wakefield – Russell Waters
John Langdale – Adrian Limb
Alexander Lowthe – Nick Newman
Robert Gowton – Stan Heptinstall
Thomas Leyghton – Christopher Frost
Thomas Wallis – Geoff Newton
William Hussey – Stuart Bull
Heckler – Mick Bull

St. Bruno and his companions:
Kaz Fisher, Christine Cheetham, Faye Stevenitt, Fiona Stevenitt, Jayne Baumber, Mary Wigfield, Nora Harper, Sandra Cameron

The Guides:
Marilyn Rowley
Nerys Skitt
Peter Frost

The Story of Brother Nicholas:
Young Nicholas – Cameron Whyte
Nicholas’s Father – Peter Nicholls
Nicholas’s Mother – Ann Whyte
Accuser – Becks Harrison-Mace
Alice – Amy Bowmar

The Monks in the Cell:
Natasha Katz, Safi Zakaria, Samantha Rainey, Wendy McLoughlin

The Story of the Lay Brother:
Robert Lawrence – Robert Lawrence Jackson
William Trafford – Jack Gavin

Assorted villagers and tradesmen:
Cameron Whyte, Catherine Newman, Charlotte Limb, Christine Cheetham, Derek Hodgett, Faye Stevenitt, Fiona Stevenitt, Georgia Limb, Jayne Baumber, Joanna Ramsey, Kate Hodgett, Kaz Fisher, Nora Harper, Sandra Cameron

The Story of The Kings Great Matter:
Students from Eastwood Secondary School
Abbie Manners, Beth Shortland, Beth Watson, Daniella Huskisson, Fern Whelpton, Jessica Starns, Katie Bettinson, Katy Wicks, Laura Fretwell, Molly Rodulovic, Olivia Dawson, Rosina Reading, Siobhan Allen, Sophie Smith-Johnson
Helen – Gill Limb

The Culmination:
Thomas Cromwell – Peter Frost
John Haughton – Mark Ramsey
Prior Webster – Marilyn Rowley
Sir John Markham – Nerys Skitt
Judge – Safi Zakaria
Dr London – Wendy McLoughlin
Catherine of Aragon – Natasha Katz
Anne Boleyn – Samantha Rainey
Sir Thomas More – Nora Harper
Meg – Faye Stevenitt
Henry VIII – Peter Nicholls
and with the assistance of all cast members

With thanks to:
Ann and Tony Whyte for their constant support and for allowing us to perform at the Charterhouse.
Clare Janes and the Arts and Events Team at Broxtowe Borough Council, Sarah Taylor and the staff of Eastwood Comprehensive School, Alicja Shaw, Loree Bologna, Marie Roberts and members of the Beauvale Society.

Written by Andy Barrett
Produced by Julian Hanby
Directed by Dominic Shaw

Staging and technical
Kev Jackson of Patco with Jack Neill and Mick Warden

Stage management
Emma Fowler, Iain Jordan, James Stevenitt, Kim Brasier

Props
Jessica Kemp, Nicola Stills, Angela Holland, Alison Willcox

Costumes
Emma Waugh, Maggie Power, Vic Potterton, Martina Radze, Tim Heywood

Music tutor
Angela Warren