Performance Events
Nonsuch has a long tradition of providing entertainment, whether for theatrical performance or for private clients. As much at home on a classical concert hall, as in more intimate heritage venues, our performances have an engaging vitality and energy that will change your assumptions about what historical dance might be like!
Our theatrical shows are devised to weave the dances with music and drama, using period texts and songs to tell historical stories in a compelling and vivid visual style. Fully staged and costumed performances can provide an unusual and distinctive entertainment whether in a theatre space or a historical setting.
We also have long experience of developing shorter performances for special events and parties, where a presentation leads into a historical night where guests also learn the dances with the company, and join in over the evening, creating an authentic ball experience that adds real distinction to a corporate event or a gala celebration. Whether you fancy a Tudor masque, complete with Queen Elizabeth 1, a restoration romp with Samuel Pepys or a ball with Jane Austen, Nonsuch can give your guests the time of their lives, from the historical time of your choosing.
We have developed bespoke events in many historic houses working with the unique qualities of the locations, and we’re also happy to perform outside (weather permitting). We can provide musicians if you require, advice on costumes for guests and a wealth of experience to call on.
Our new show for 2009 Tudor Roses - Henry VIII and Elizabeth I - From the playboy Prince to the dancing queen premiered at Hampton Hill Playhouse in January 2009.
Previous shows include Love’s Proper Exercise, Gloriana, The Nightingale, Here’s a Health unto His Majesty, Samuel Pepys Learns to dance, The Virtuous Wife; performed at venues such as the Brighton, Canterbury, Windsor and Leeds Early Music Festivals, Queen Elizabeth Hall, St Johns Smith Square, Syon Park, Nonsuch Park, Ham House, Lympne Castle, Haddon Hall and Southwark Cathedral and the Coyrtyard Theatre of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
For further information about booking Nonsuch for your venue, please contact us. Whatever the scale of your event, we will be delighted to discuss our potential involvement.
Recent Credits
Nonsuch provided a nineteenth century Venetian masked ball at the Reform Club, London. Our elaborately costumed dancers opened the evening with a theatrical presentation of the waltzes, polkas and gallops accompanied by our live musicians; guests were taught the basic steps by the performers, and then the dancing was led by a caller for the rest of a memorable night.
2008’s production, Love’s Proper Exercise, was a full length show exploring the historical romances between some well known historical figures of the Tudor and Stuart periods, using contemporary music, song and verse. First performed at St John’s Smith Square to celebrate Valentine’s day, this sell out show was a witty and lively introduction to the world of historical dance.
As part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s open day in Stratford on Avon, Nonsuch delivered a Strictly Come Elizabethan Dancing event, working with members of the acting company and the audience, teaching dances in a day for “judging” by a panel including Michael Boyd (Artistic director RSC)
2009’s new production Tudor Roses - Henry V111 and Elizabeth l - From the playboy prince to the dancing queen draws on the authentic dances and stories from history, where intense human passions beat under the formal dances and elaborate costumes; Imagine the royal festivities on the Field of the Cloth of Gold. The young King Henry must command the dance as he does his kingdom, as monarch and master of the revels. But what will be the consequences from his choice of partner… As the daughter of Henry, politically isolated and yet destined to rule, Elizabeth must walk a dangerous line. The dancing queen must be aloof from the risks of an inappropriate alliance, but how can she resist the attentions of her suitors on the dance floor?
