The standing-room-only production of the new drama "Tried and Tested" by Leicester playwright, Dana Bagshaw, held at the Leicester Guildhall during the Castle Park Festival will be repeated at 4:00 Saturday 5 October.

The play centres on the lives of two historical women, Margery Kempe and Julian of Norwich, who rose above the conventions of medieval times with a spirit of daring and adventure that still attracts attention today.

The production was tailor-made for Leicester Guildhall, featuring scenes of Margery's arrest and trial that actually occurred at Leicester in 1417. The first part of the play takes place inside the great hall. During the interval the action takes up in the courtyard, with the actors and audience moving in a promenade to the Cathedral for the trial scene and back again to the courtyard for the final two scenes. Some standing is required.

Although some grumbling was heard on August 18 during the moving about, most members of the audience reported that they enjoyed feeling a part of the production and seeing the action unfold in the historical setting where it actually happened.

The cast is made up of Leicestershire actors, led by Leanne Mitchell and Brian Glover as Margery and John Kempe, and introducing Phyllis Page as Julian of Norwich. Supporting roles are played by Michael Bull, Roy Iliffe, Alan Selway, Debbie Kelham, and Stuart Mousir-Harrison. Live music of the period is played throughout by John Bence and Yvette Adams, members of the Longslade Consort.

Tickets are available at the Guildhall (0116) 253 2569 for £7 with £5 concessions. Price includes beverages. The play contains adult subjects, with a 15+ rating. For more information, contact Dana Bagshaw (0116) 271 4837.

See below press coverage from Leicester Mercury News, Friday August 16, 2002, and review on Monday August 19.