Beyond the Bayeux

Our 1st major production, establishing Hastings Castle as a new open-air theatre space in East Sussex.

Bringing our Norman castle ruin to life, this is a fresh and playful interpretation of the tapestry story, with performances from James Purefoy & Ellie Westbrook, and live music from Muco, Lucie Treacher.

The show also includes words from Dave Musgrove, co-author of the official Bayeux Tapestry book.

Designed especially for this show, Battlecat studios will create animations that will illuminate the castle walls.

Beyond the Bayeux is a dramatic, entertaining, and totally unique production, unlike the castle has ever seen.

As part of the national programme for the British Museums’ sell out exhibition, this production will explore the 1066 story through a contemporary lens.

Doors open 7pm

Performance begins 8pm

Food & Drink available on site - details tbc

—------------

TICKETS

🎟️ General admission tickets: £25

🎟️ Concessions: £15

Limited available for those on very low wage or unemployed.

✨ SPECIAL TICKETS ✨

Champion our ambitions to bring world-class open-air theatre and performance events to Hastings Castle. A little extra support from those who can afford, will guarantee this show goes ahead and more will come in 2027.

🎟️ Supporter Tickets: £30

Includes: General entry, £5 donation

🎟️ Legends Ticket: £50

Includes: Early entry to claim your seat & Directors Welcome Drinks Reception

—-------------------

ARTIST DETAILS…

MUSIC

Lucie Treacher - Ivor-nominated, composer Lucie, creates music for animation, film, video games, installations, opera and beyond. Her deep appreciation of acoustic instruments from across the globe – produces vibrant and arresting scores. She lives in St Leonards on Sea.

Muco - Through his reworkings of medieval folk songs in Middle and Old English, Muco has garnered a devoted audience online with his unique interpretations. Using his voice, autoharp and the inanga, he seeks not to recreate but to make the music understood appropriate to a new time.

ACTORS

Ellie Westbrook - a performing artist working across opera, physical theatre, clowning and experimental music. She is Artistic Director of Hastings-based theatre company TUFT and co-events programmer at Hastings Castle. Her work has been presented across the UK and internationally, including at Southbank Centre, La MaMa New York, Soho Theatre and De La Warr Pavilion.

🚨 More names to be announced soon 🚨

ANIMATION

Phil Davies : Battlecat Studios

Animator and installation creator Battlecat Studios has worked on impressive, immersive projects previously working with V&A, BBC, BFI, National Museums Liverpool to name a few.

—-----------

ACCESS

We are working on how access can be improved at the castle.

Currently, there is a ramp up to the entrance and then two small steps.

To help plan your visit or to discuss your individual needs, please contact us at: hello@hastingscastle.org.uk

PLEASE NOTE

As with every event at the castle, it is weather dependent and this event may be subject to postponement or cancellation. We will let you know if this is the case on the morning of the event at the latest.