Entertainment 2023
The entertainment at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire spans 12 different performance areas and all the streets in between! You’ll find daredevil acrobats, soulful musicians, side-splitting comedians, three full-contact jousts, and hundreds of performers who bring the city of Deptford to life!
Entertainment Schedules
Although unusual, scheduled acts may change due to weather, illness, or Her Majesty’s whim.
The Stage Schedules will be posted the Wednesday before each weekend.
Click Here for the Closing Weekend Stage Schedule (May 20 & 21)
The ASL Interpreted Schedules will be posted the Thursday before each weekend.
Click Here for the Saturday, May 20 ASL Interpreted Schedule & Click Here for the Sunday, May 21 ASL Interpreted Schedule
The Queen’s College Schedules will be posted the Thursday before each weekend.
GNOME HUNT
Those rascally gnomes have again invaded Port Deptford! They cleverly hide in our shops and guild yards during the daytime, but at night they come out and play mischievous tricks on us. We must find these gnomes so we can stop the mayhem!
You can help us find them by picking up a list of likely Gnome locations at one of the Guest Services booths. Then when you find them, have the shop owners make a mark upon your list.
When you have found enough gnomes, turn in your list to earn a frameable certificate that declares that you are a Gnome Hunter Extraordinaire. This certificate entitles you to a Special Edition Collectible Pewter Gnome Pin from Fellowship Foundry at a deep discount, which is awarded only to successful Gnome Hunters. There is a different pin each season. Start collecting them now!
Entertainment STAGE SHOWS
Aaron Bonk
Aaron Bonk is a 3-time International Performance Champion, 5-time Guinness World Record setting whip artist, and unique entertainer with a twisted sense of humor who risks his life to make you laugh. With stupefying acts of juggling, whip cracking, danger, and craziness, he will amuse and amaze the whole family with his world renowned stunt show spectacular. Machetes, whips, swords, and fire — the hottest show in all the ‘Shire!
NEW – The Accidental Acrobats
The Accidental Acrobats will flip, tumble, and crash their way into your heart in this high-energy acrobatic stunt show. Acrobatic stunts, contortion, fire, whips, comedy, archery, feats of human strength and so much more. Balancing strength, flexibility, humor, and acrobatic feats, these two aim to entertain and engage all ages. Come laugh, come cry, come enjoy a spectacle of super-human stunts, and all the pun-derful antics of The Accidental Acrobats!
Ad Hoc Consort
Throughout the shire, you can hear the dulcet tones of our period instruments: recorders, krumhorns, sackbuts & others. Come experience the true sounds of the English Renaissance!
Brandon Scott – The Wizard of Wonder
Whimsically amazing, part wizard, part fool, our Renaissance magician creates enchanting moments sprinkled with optical illusions, comedy magic, myth, and lore. A fun, adventurous high energy interactive stage show for all ages. Laugh and be amazed. Check stage schedules and take a journey into the realm of wonder and imagination.
The Allegros
May 6 only
Singing the Music of Saint George, this group from Venice invites you to join a traditional Madrigal Celebration!
The Blue Crew
May 7 only
For one day only our guitarists from Venice play traditional music selections from the Elizabethan period. Raise your voices and sing along! Huzzah!
Brigid’s Daughters
Brigid’s Daughters, featuring Colleen Russell and Stephanie Molen, will delight you with love songs from seven different languages written in the Medieval and Renaissance eras. This year, they are excited to share the stage with instrumentalists from a Faire favorite band, the Story Wrens. Come hear this exciting new blend of string instruments, percussion, and voice.
Broon
While cracking bullwhips, juggling bowling balls or eating fire, Broon keeps the laughs alive with a dry wit and extemporaneous style that keeps audiences in stitches. With his variety skills and stand-up comedy style Broon presents a show filled end to end with sly humor and impressive stunts and Broon’s extensive improvisational experience guarantees no two shows will be exactly alike.
Bugle Biggins
Master Bugle Biggins is a ship’s musician who’s lately retired from a lifetime at sea. So he’s come to Deptford to entertain and amuse you with tales of his adventures, and to enchant you with soulful melodies on the harp and tin whistle.
Clan MacColin Irish Dance
Featuring the award-winning step dancers from the Guild of St. Andrews, this highland fling stirs the “inner Celt” in us all.
Clan Tynker
An enchanting kaleidoscope of skills from around the world performed to live music. An impressive variety of juggling skills, stage magic, comedy, Central Asian/Middle Eastern dance, sword swallowing, fire-eating and tight-wire walking with an accompanying musical soundscape played on an eclectic variety of instruments. Fun for the whole family!
Country Garden Dancers
A high-energy troop of English country dancers roams through the Faire in a swirling flash of color and sound. Perchance these lively lads and lasses may show you a step or two!
Dora Viellette
Dora Viellette will take you through time with an intriguing array of music on the hurdy-gurdy. From classics of the Medieval and Renaissance to traditional Celtic and Folk favorites, her blend of sounds and songs will tempt your ears, make you want to stay for a spell, and leave you wanting to hear more.
The Freestylers of Piping
Inspired by the progressive rock bands and jazz musicians of the 60s and 70s. The Freestylers of Piping, consisting of long-time Renaissance faire performers David Duncan, and Michael Huebner along with Armando Wood, aim to create music that reflects these influences with the use of The Great Highland Bagpipe, Percussion, and Bass.
The Jousters
The Jousters are excited to bring their fully-armored, hard-hitting, and wholly unique style of jousting to the Faire. This is true sport; every lance break and shield shatter achieved is done in an authentic quest for victory! Come, cheer for majestic steeds and noble knights as they compete for The Golden Chain of Port Deptford!
NEW – Kathleen Finnegan
Kathleen brings the music of the past alive with the magic of the Irish harp. In ancient tradition, music had the power to bring joy, sorrow, and peace, all of which Kathleen delights to share. Experience the beloved music of the Celtic, ancient, and classical traditions, some familiar and some that are new again.
The Lynx Show
Lynx is a master at swallowing his pride! This world record setting individual is willing to almost do anything to shock, awe, and amaze you.
NEW – Master of Misdirect
4/15, 4/16, 4/29, 4/30
Trained by the prestigious Chavez School of magic, and a Member of the world-famous Magic Castle, The Master of Misdirect will bring you magic from the far east! No gimmicks, no smoke, no mirrors. Just pure sleight of hand and misdirection. Don’t blink! Don’t laugh too hard or you will surely miss the magic!
Merlin the Magician
Merlin The Magician returns this year with a fun-filled combination of magic, humor, and audience participation. Merlin performs his highly interactive shows throughout the faire and is featured on the Kid’s Kingdom stage. Conjuring up laughs and memories for decades, Merlin’s Magic Show will amaze and amuse all audiences. The magic happens in your hands and right before your very eyes.
photo: Rosemary Guglielmelli
The Merry Wives of Windsor
These Lusty Serving Wenches return to the Faire serving bawdy songs and plenty of good cheer! NC-17 when performing on the Rogue’s Reef Stage. PG-13 when performing on the Golden Jubilee Stage.
MooNie the Magnif’Cent
Enchanting audiences for over 30 years without saying a word, MooNiE is the undisputed master of the Faire. MooNie presents a show that combines classic clowning, physical stunting, and enough comedy to leave you gasping for breath. Enter the mind of MooNiE.
Mudge the Hammered Dulcimerist
Mudge from the Poxy Boggards will tantalize your eardrums with his dulcet dulcimer, when he’s not slinging laughs, of course.
Poxy Boggards
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Poxy Boggards, and in those decades, they have delighted and shocked audiences with their unique brand of bawdy music. Known as the “drinking group with a singing problem,” the Boggards’ music has been featured in many unexpected places, including a 2009 Super Bowl commercial and an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, where the band made a surprise piratical appearance.
NEW – Randal Piper
A glimpse into the musical mind of chaos, Randal Piper makes his debut playing the streets and stages with some of his intergalactically renowned critical hits, some of which are so spontaneous they haven’t been written yet! Come out for the tunes, stay for a ‘Riggle Do’ or two and leave with some Bardic Inspiration!
The Raven
The Raven, the black feathered birdman, flies on top of a ball. He swoops down and invites the audience into his world of “eggs-traordinary” magic.
Seraphim Arabesque Ensemble
The Seraphim Arabesque Ensemble is a music and dance group based in Southern California. They blend cross-cultural music and dance from MENANHT (Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenistic, Turkish) traditions with uniquely American art forms. They fuse contemporary sounds and movements with a historical flare.
Sportive Tricks
A Southern California folk band formed in 2006 with a heavy Celtic influence, Sportive Tricks takes traditional music and gives it a rousing twist. From traditional sing-alongs to folk-rock to sea chanteys to original songs, the seven members of Tricks create a foot-tapping good time.
The Story Wrens
Traditional songs of England, Scotland, and Ireland, accompanied by tenor mandolin, harp, whistle, guitar, fiddle, and other instruments. Winners of the LA Critic Awards’ “Best Folk Album 2012” and “Best Folk Band 2018.” Appearances include the Lifetime series, American Princess, and the Hollywood premiere for the Netflix series, The Witcher. Featuring Celtic harper Shawna Selline, winner of the All-Ireland contest and a guest performer with the Chieftains.
“Bringing the ancient story songs to life…”
Supernova the Strongwoman
Trained by Cirque du Soleil coaches, Supernova the Strongwoman amazes audiences with insane feats of strength, daredevil acrobatics, and the wanton destruction of perfectly good steel! The whole family can join this cyclone of comedy and demolition!
NEW – Tiny Girl, Big Show
Step right up and see the NEW one-woman circus extravaganza that’s wowing audiences across the shire! With charm and sparkle to spare, this award-winning, pint-sized powerhouse packs a punch. Stahr twists her body into ridiculous positions, then adds a whip, a unicycle, fire, juggling, and dark and twisted original skills that will leave your jaw on the floor. Don’t miss Stahr Power’s Tiny Girl, Big Show! that will leave you laughing on the edge of your seat.
The Washing Well Wenches
“Wet Dirty Women, Good Clean Fun!” These two wacky wenches prove that a good scrubbing and lots of belly laughs are good for the soul! Doing laundry has never been so much fun!
Willy Nilly
Dungeons & Shakespeare
Welcome to a world where you can see the greatest characters from Shakespeare killed by horrific monsters. Enter Dungeons & Shakespeare! Inspired by the Bard, determined by dice, brought to life on stage. Join in an epic adventure that is different every time as the audiences’ choices and the roll of giant dice decides if the heroes live or die.
One Man Romeo & Juliet
See Willy Nilly turn Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy into wild, silly fun for the whole family. With non-stop interactive comedy, the audience is a part of the action. From lightning-fast character changes and sword fighting to ridiculous sock puppets, the show will enrapture old and young all the way to the thrilling finale.
Hamlet & Ophelia
We know the story of Hamlet but what happened before things went rotten in Denmark? Finally, it’s the titillating romantic comedy that took place before everything got so depressing. Will Ophelia find true love? Will Hamlet make his way into her turret? Will her father get in the way? Don’t miss this hilarious romantic romp with loads of laughs and audience participation. Suitable for all ages.
Wiggins Faerie Lore Magician
Magician, storyteller, and human ambassador to the faerie realm. While Wiggins seems to be a human fantasy jukebox, his true agenda is educating folk in the needs of the little people and getting himself elected again. He is recognizable by his very large mushroom, the smallest stage in the shire. If you don’t believe in faeries before you have met Wiggins, you most likely will after!
NEW – Wings of Whimsy Aerialist
Be captivated by the ethereal artistry of aerial acrobat, AJ Gamez. Lift your eyes to the sky as she dances and performs on silk and air. Wildly impressive flips, splits, and drops will leave the audience shouting for more. With strength and elegance, her show will delight hearts of every age and make you feel as if you could fly.
Guilds and Troupes
The guilds & troupes of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire are performance groups portraying various facets of Elizabethan life. Click on the name to go to their official website, where available. Contact information is available if you’d like more information on joining or auditioning for that Guild or Troupe.
The ASL Interpreters of the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire
We provide interpreting services for our Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HoH) guests. Stage shows, shopping, directions, etc. are all covered to allow the best show possible. A schedule of Interpreted shows is given to all information booths, for each Faire day. Each stage board also will have the interpreter symbol with a list of interpreted shows. There will be an interpreter stationed at the info booth near the feasting commons to facilitate communication for Faire information. We will also provide interpreters for any Deaf/HoH person who would like to work at the Faire, for their workshops or on-site meetings with their guild/booth. If an emergency occurs on-site and an interpreter is needed, we do that too! We are here to make your Faire experience the best it can be!
Several years ago a mentorship/internship program was instituted where Interpreters who are looking for something new and different can be involved as well as Interpreting students can get school credit for their work. This program has been very successful in helping them to fulfill their practicum requirements. We are very excited to have been providing interpreting services to the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire since the mid-’80s.
Are you interested in having an interpreter with you for the day to interpret for you and our Marketplace vendors, interactions in the street, or other non-stage interpreting? Contact the director of the ASL interpreters for setting up this free service! We look forward to seeing you at the Faire!
Director: Tabatha King
Email: tking7984@gmail.com
Country Garden Dancers
This dance troupe performs high-energy, exhilarating dance in the English Country tradition — including both authentic period dances and original pieces — in bright and colorful stage shows. CGD also continues the ancient and hallowed tradition of dancing around the Maypole as a celebration of springtime and revelry.
Directors: Jose Lavarreda and Alicia Verstynen
Email: cgdancers06@gmail.com
The Court Of Misrule
These boisterous, belled buffoons bring wit and whimsy to Deptford! Demand to hear their arsenal of jokes, challenge them in friendly banter, or see your favorite stories reimagined in their Fractured Fairytales stage show!
Director: Victoria Spencer
Email: vixespencer@gmail.com
Danse Macabre
Even in the most festive villages, the Plague could always rear its ugly head and spoil our play. Join these dancers in the street as they trick death away from our Shire and remind us to live each day to the fullest.
Director: Bob Fox
Email: cyberbobfx@aol.com
The Fantastikals
The Fantastikals are the cultural myths, legends, and folklore of the people of Deptford. Thriving on moments of childlike wonder, they create magic for the young and help those older to remember what it is like to be a child. In these times of plenty, especially with the Queen’s visit to Deptford, the boundaries between our realm and the Realm of the Fae have been magically dissolved. But fear not! Treasure this rare occasion and seek their blessings. Approach them with care to offer them a smile or a trinket born of nature. If you watch carefully, you might catch a glimpse of these familiar childhood friends.
The Florentines of San Lorenzo
Florence: The Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to the d’Medici family, infamous leaders of Tuscany; patrons of the finest artists, architects, and scholars; and world-renowned arbiters of style and grandeur. Ambassadors from the d’Medici family have arrived at Port Deptford with a colorful contingent of Italian lords and ladies, soldiers, swordsmen, and artists. Learn the methods and techniques of the rapier and arming sword, enjoy a reading of beauteous Italian literature, watch a Florentine court portrait artist ply his craft, or discover what the Renaissance Florentines knew about herbs, plants, and medicine. As the saying goes, “Everyone wants to be a Medici.” Come see for yourself.
Guildmaster: Rachelle Sanders
Email: sandersblue66@gmail.com
Guild of St. Andrews – Clan MacColin
This lively clan of Scottish singers, dancers, musicians, and soldiers demonstrate their slice of life in their interactive camp, entertain with their high-stepping dance show and thrill with their skills in battle on the Tournament field.
Guildmaster: Steve Gillan
Email: Colinchief@hotmail.com
Asst. Director: Lonnie Rawlings
Email: rawlingslt@gmail.com
Guild of St. Cuthbert – Parades and Pageants
Participating in most of the Faire’s parades each Faire day, we open and close the Faire with a song, escort the Lord Mayor in his parade, and accompany Her Majesty the Queen during her Progress throughout Port Deptford.
In addition to parading about, we offer interactive craft classes and demonstrations at our Guild area. Leather crafting for children – learn to work with leather and take home your project. Spinning demonstrations and lessons as well as wool and knitting/crochet supplies.
Our daily highlights are A Midsummer Afternoon Tea at 2:00 p.m. -and- Tea with the Queen at 4:00 p.m. Have the opportunity to spend time with William Shakespeare at 2 p.m. and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at 4 p.m. and enjoy a full tea service including tea, scones, sandwiches, and tarts. Each adult guest receives a teapot to take home and children receive a teapot charm.
Guildmaster: Sue Honor
Email: suehonor@pacbell.net
Guild of St. Helena – The Commoner’s Guild
We the Common Folk of the Guild of St. Helena’s have set forth upon the city to revel, cavort, caper, parade and otherwise celebrate the visit of our most honored and glorious Queen Elizabeth! We sing, dance, parade, prank, practice our Shakespeare and generally make merry and rejoice with all the visitors to our Port Deptford. Our Country folk residents can also be seen crafting, churning butter, feasting, singing, and playing in Duckbilled-Nippingshire, the lovely little suburb of West Deptford. Come sing, pull a rope, kick a cabbage, work on your prose, throw dice, be a sheep or otherwise frolic with us! This day is ours! Look for the bloomers of the Guild of St. Helena’s. We are an excellent entry into Faire participation and welcome new members.
Guildmaster: Kasey Moran
Email: kaseyz73@yahoo.com
Guild of St. Ives – The Townsfolke
The Saint Ives Historical Society (Guild of St. Ives) is celebrating more than a quarter-century at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire! As you enter the Faire, you will see our townsfolk busy about their daily activities. Watch our skilled craftspeople as they spin thread, throw pottery, and create jewelry. Feel the hand-woven wool and linen cloth and braid created in front of you by our master weavers. Trade flirtatious quips with the lovely ladies of the Bell. Watch for dubious characters lurking in the village byways, and cheer on our intrepid Constables as they keep Deptford safe. Hark to the ring of hammers and the lusty voices of the smiths as they pound hot iron into tools and weapons. Listen to the musicians as they play and sing lively Renaissance songs at the Rose & Keys Inn. Play a game with the locals or join in a spontaneous street dance of Sellenger’s Round. Have a word with our street folk, who always have time for a friendly greeting or entertaining tale. Smell the fine aroma of sixteenth-century baking from our cookyard. Share our excitement at the prospect of a visit from our beloved Queen Elizabeth! Do all this and before you know it the Guild of St. Ives will have transported you to the streets of Deptford during the Elizabethan Renaissance on the morning of our spring Pleasure Faire.
Visit our website at www.saintives.com
Guildmaster: Josh Ritter
Email: director@saintives.com
Guild of St. Michael – The Military
The fierce, hardy soldiers and followers demonstrate life in a camp, carouse the streets, and escort Her Majesty, The Queen. Witness historically accurate firearm demos, discuss the militaristic uses of bladed and blunt weapons, and watch as the next generation of England’s military is trained in the Kid’s Militia.
Director: Alec Heath Garren
Email: saintmichaelsdirector@gmail.com
Director: Tom Eason
Email: tleason@gmail.com
Kids’ Kingdom
Kids’ Kingdom is a special place at Faire dedicated not only to children but to the young at heart of all ages. We have a performing stage with original plays, arts and crafts, games, a daily Knighting ceremony, the Gnome Hunt, and villagers who will help make every visit special. Come and visit – we will be waiting for you!
Director: Linda Conley Ballard
Email: gammergosling@gmail.com
Lord Chamberlain’s Men
William Shakespeare and his talented trope of thespians are bringing the very best of the theatrical world to YOU! Whether wandering the Shire, sharing sonnets with strangers, or entertaining audiences with their elaborate exhibitions; the Lord Chamberlain’s Men are always ready to celebrate the dramatic arts! And if you’re truly daring, storm the stage with the Bard himself to thunderous applause!
Director: Hero Carlisle
Email: shakesphero1623@gmail.com
Norwich Waits
The Southern California Early Music Consort appears as Norwich Waits at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire as the Queen’s band and the horse tourney fanfare ensemble.
Historically, The Norwich Waits was the band that traveled with Queen Elizabeth when she left London on Progress. The group was famous for its collection of the finest musicians in the British Isles.
Our Norwich Waits can be heard performing all the music for the dances of the Royal Court as well as music for the Call O’the Faire & Queen’s Show at the Main Stage and the Opening Gate Show at the beginning of every Faire day.
Director: Tom Axworthy
Email: scemcentertainment@yahoo.com
The Privateers
Provided with a letter of Marque and in the name of England, they have sailed across the seas. Some call them pirates, but they are proud privateers and are of the sea. They have pillaged many a ship for the glory of her Majesty and now return to land with many riches! These old salts are looking to spend in excess on drinks, gambling, company and maybe a few hearty fights. Be wary when one swaggers by because when a sailor is on leave anything can and will happen.
Make ready your cannons and hail shot!
The Privateers use a mix of historical knowledge and guerrilla improv to create a comedic portrayal of privateering sailors on shore leave.
Director: Ronald Glass
Email: privateer013@gmail.com
Puritans
They preach, they shame, they hate the players AND the game. They are the Puritans, and they are the forever-outraged enemies of all things fun. Will you ask them for a blessing, or scandalize them with your merriment? Will you befuddle them with logic, or demand they try your friends as witches? Either way, the Puritans will be sure to share their opinions with everyone…loudly, often, and with great vigor.
Director: Nick Balbas
Email: nickbalbas@aol.com
The Queen’s Court
The Queen’s Court is an ensemble group of hearty volunteers who portray the historical characters who were part of Queen Elizabeth’s court during the first 10 years of her reign. With research, costumes, and a visual environment, they strive to entertain and create a slice of Elizabethan life for customers and participants alike. Their main task is to support the actress who plays Queen Elizabeth and they spend many hours in training and rehearsal to achieve this goal with improvisational theatre techniques.
Guildmaster: Terri Casey
Email: auntiegertus@yahoo.com
St. Swithin’s Guild – The Village Mongers
The Mongers are outgoing street merchants who will attempt to sell you everything you need for a proper Elizabethan household. At morning and evening markets, they patrol the Faire with wares ranging from fish to fowl and from the fruits of the fields to moderately used clothing. In the middle of the day, they put away their wares and enlighten the crowds with their passion play, The Pageant of the Seven Deadly Sins. Feel free to approach these merchants and ask them about their goods. The Mongers will happily describe the wonders of their wares in an attempt to make the sale.
Guildmaster: David Hind
Email: davidhind408@gmail.com
The Town Criers
The Town Criers of Saint Blaise are known for their boisterous ways. Whether it is ringing bells, frolicking in the streets, crying the news or napping in a pile, the Criers can easily be spied about the Shire in their yellow sashes. Throughout the years, the Criers lead both the Queen and the Lord Mayor to various destinations, as well as delivering the news and gossip of the day. So if you hear our bells and the call of “Make Way!” you know that the excitement is approaching.
Director: David Valdez
Email: beetlejuice90026@gmail.com
St Minerva’s Washer Women
Caution, you may get wet! – Wit, Water & Song fly freely at the washing well. Laundry and laughter is the life-blood of these lively women. The Washing Well has been seen as a slice of daily life for the village where women gather to do their wash, gossip, argue, and laugh.
Director: Michelle O’Brien
Email: Mobrien3232@gmail.com
Yeomen of The Queen’s Guard
You’ll see them on the streets, dashing young gentlemen dressed in bright red. They are England’s longest standing military unit, the Yeomen of the Guard. They protect the Queen. They protect the nobles. They hunt for spies. And they woo women, oh do they woo women. You’ll find them accompanied by ladies in blue, the Queen’s Household. They protect the men, they hunt for husbands, they woo, too. Do not ask them about their jugs. You’ll find them all at lunchtime, entertaining her Majesty with fine foods, lovely songs, and stories that might make you laugh. Maybe cry.
Guildmaster: Gordon Bradley
Email: biggb@jps.net