Grey Company Highlanders at Northam
cherylYesterday The Grey Co Highlanders went to Northam.
It was a good trip up and the trailer travels along much better now with the assisted brakes and we have taken unnecessary items out of the trailer so it is not so heavy. In fact I was pulled over by the Police just by the York turnoff as I was doing 96km in an 80km zone. This also meant Pat Robinson also got pulled over as she was following us in her car. The nice policeman gave me a warning and the other policeman told mum to blame me for getting her pulled over.
We took the trailer to the event site on Saturday afternoon and spent an hour or so unpacking and setting up the tents and eric ropes. The organisers had arranged for our area to be cleared by the council bull dozer so no rocks in our fighting circle.
We have now realised that the farm where the event is held must grow and harvest rocks and double gees. There was also much red dust so it looks like the surface of planet Mars. Yesterday we got there nice and early and set up the rest of our display. Ken and Bj brought along some wooden benches and the organisers provided plastic chairs which we place all around the eric for seating.
The kiddie crossbow tent was again popular as well as the armour tent. A few Viking runes were stamped for children and their cats and dogs. The other activities like woading and brass rubbings were not very popular but we all got a bit of sewing done as we manned the stands.
There was not very big audiences for either fighting display show we did but we kept ourselves entertained.
Some of the highlights of the shows are Good Scott and Sam fighting each other, with Sam flashing what was under his kilt. Then there was lots of boxing and flipping each other. We decided that Sam was kindly rolling around in the dust trying to pick up all the double gee prickles so the rest of us did not get them in our shoes.
The 3 Highland sisters Heather, Rose and Thistle made an appearance. Rose and Thistle were out “shopping” as highlander women do armed to the teeth and proceeded to beat up Emlyn and Ken. Rose (Bj) got Emlyn in a headlock or Booblock as Paul called it before flinging him to the ground and stabbing him.
Hamish (Sam) got himself arrested by Good Scott for carrying weapons and wearing tartan. He was on his way to a duel (also an arresting offence) but was subdued and taken away by Scott the Englishman. So he was late for his duel with Alexander. Since Heather (Cheryl) his older sister was waiting with spare weapons for him, she had to fight Alexander after he called Hamish a coward. Once again I have proved it is a good idea to wear lacy bloomers under your skirts when you manage to throw your skirts over your head when you do your death spasms.
It was amusing watch Lord Derek trying to keep his lovely green velvet coat out of the dust when he died and fell to the ground.
The last fight of the day was the rescue of Hamish. So the English – Good Scott, Ken, Lara, Emlyn and Derek vs. Alex and the Highlander women in the village – Cheryl, Bj and Juanita. Somehow the highlanders did manage to rescue Hamish and kill all the English. It was a slaughter.
We also had Paul keeping us amused and historically educated on the PA while young Daniel did security work around the eric for us. Bianca took some good photos for me and I have put some on our face book page and will get the rest up on the Grey Co website. We packed up by 4pm and headed home covered in red dust.
ST Georges’ Day show at Elizabethan Village
cherylWe had a very successful show and display yesterday at the Elizabethan village.
We started setting up around 10am and got out all the activities for the kids to do as well as setting up the fighting eric. We even had a Stall set up which Mrs Robinson run selling items she had made like soft toy dragons, steam punk toys and dragon banners as well as a few items from other members. John had some of his jewellery on sale and I had some pouches, hats and tunics. (Mrs R did well and was a very popular addition to our display. The organisers like the addition of her stall as well)
The kids’ activities ran hot and busy all day long. In fact you could see children would go from one activity to another then back again all day long. There was a decent turn out from the public who seemed to enjoy our displays. We did two fighting shows during the day. We went with a mainly 15th Century theme but had Evil, Charlotte, Frank and Alex doing dark ages. Evil is back and getting into his Evilness again by fighting off Charlotte, Frank and Alex during the shows.. It was funny to watch Charlotte doing a shield bash against Frank and then nearly rebounding away.
We did not get much St George into the show other than our banners but Joan of Arc made an appearance instead. So we worked on the English vs. French instead. Greg kept yelling out random French type words like croissant and baget to show he was French and I kept hearing voices from God to prove I was Joan of Arc…. And remember Paul was introducing me as “YOUNG Joan of Arc” Not the Middle aged Joan of Arc. (It is nice to have your husband doing the voice overs)
There were some good fights performed (especially since most of us had not prearrange what fights we were going to do) Bill and Scott did a good performance with their big swords performing all their flash manoeuvres. Judd played an Irish man against Sam the Englishmen. Judd should get the award for the most awkward death position. He died face down, butt up and did not look comfortable.
In the first show’s final battle I, as Joan was meant to be captured but got killed instead. In the second show’s final battle Us French won and managed to slaughter all the English.
We packed up about 4pm and headed into the pub for a drink or two before having a lovely meal.
Saturday 21st April Viking photo shoot
cherylWe had a good little encampment set up for the Photographers on Saturday down at Lake Joondalup Park. We set up 3 tents – a Ken and BJ’s large Viking tent with Derek’s wood slat bed in it, our new Saxon style tent with Good Scott’s wood slat bed set up inside (with a lovely large cow hide which I got for my birthday on the floor) and Emlyn set up his open smaller Viking tent where he sat and played board games during the photo shoot.
We set up a fake fire with cooking pots set in front of the tents to give it the small encampment feel. We all then started doing something to try and look interesting so the photographers could start taking photos.
Paul set up the Kubb Viking game and got a couple of people to play with him. We had all brought along some food so we could sit and have some lunch and look to be doing something. With the amount of bread that was brought along we decided we must be Bread Merchants as we had so much bread. And the bread was very valuable as we had the warriors to protect it.
Some of us ladies sat and did sewing or brushed each others hair which the men posed holding weapons or stood chatting. Damien was working on carving from door horn which got some interest. Greg decided to do some whittling with my eating knife. We decided he was whittiling a sharp stick. In case of a vampire attack. Young Alex wanted to eat the prop bread ( the more authentic looking bread) instead of all the other types of bread loaves he could try. Charlotte was busy cooking us a nice egg shell soup on the fake fire – as we were putting all our rubbish in the large caldron so the rubbish would not be in the photos eggshells included.
The photographers were everywhere taking photos. They loved when Zoe was using a flint and steel and getting some sparks. I noticed at one point that a couple of the lady photographers had gotten Charlie to pose for them holding his little weapons. (I don’t know how they got him to stand still long enough).
Our guys also did two sets of fighting for the photographers so they could get some action shots. I think they really enjoyed that.
The organisers were most impressed and happy with what we did for them.
Batavia Show at Christ Church School
cherylThe Batavia show at Christchurch went very well today. The weather conspired against us but at least we got one good fight outside – thanks Sam and Scott for such a good opener. We had to moved the show inside into the Chapel which was good for talking but not so great for combat with a much reduced area and lots of expensive things around that could be easily damaged.
The blood thirsty young students seem to have a good time. They cheered as young Alex hacked down Cheryl – a tough fight as the combat area was much smaller. Then Kenny butchered Russell to more applause. They were also fighting in tight to avoid the very expensive piano.
The talk seemed to go well. The students responded well to the gory bits and really got into the pike drill -and from where I stood it looked great. We had helmets for most of the front rank. The torture of the teacher was certainly popular.
Thanks to all who came and apologies to those who did not get to fight. I was hoping for a big melee at the end but we had no space once we moved inside.
All in all a success I think. Will wait for the feedback and hopefully they will send photos again like last year.
Irene McCormack School show
cherylThe show last night at Irene McCormack College went very well. We had 6 fighters, Paul doing the voice over and Juanita being crowd control and chocolate girl.
The kids had no idea what we were there for as a couple of them came over to ask what our play was about. Paul replied “violence, it will contain lots of violence” their reply was “cool”
We took the new PA along to see how it worked. It is very clear and projects very well. Paul got into the grove of things and was added more history information into his voiceover. Not sure if he just enjoyed the sound of his voice or because the sound was so clear he thought he would give the audience more information.
The opening fight was between the Shawn (Bohemian) and Daniel (Bran). When Shawn did his introduction roar he got lots of Boos. It was amusing watching Daniel running around taunting Shawn to come and kill him. I can’t remember who won. Daniel I think
Next was Ken (Rolf) and Lara (Lara the axe) vs. Emlyn and me. I took on Ken and died a messy death while Lara slaughtered Emlyn.
Paul then got the audience more excited as we had to choose a champion then fight to the death on their behalf. Emlyn was called out first and had to fight Ken. Ken was victorious so had to go up against Shawn. Ken was crushed like a bug so Shawn then had to go to the next round and fight Lara. Lara died very delicately so then I had to fight Shawn. He was getting tired by now so I slit his throat and took on Daniel in the next round. Daniel did his leaping around thing (ahh youth) while I just lumbered close enough to chop him up. So I won on behalf of King Braydon who got a chocolate from Juanita the chocolate girl. He was so please he could not speak.
Then we had a circle of death. We were all getting a bit tired and it was getting darker. They had set up spot lights which we had to make sure we did not look at directly so we did not get night blindness. I took on Daniel (he was seeking revenge) and when Shawn came up behind him, he made the mistake of turning away from me. So of course I had to cut him across the back. It then came down to Emlyn, me and Shawn. After Emlyn’s death it was down to me and Shawn. It was over quick and I got to give my death scream as I fell over. Shawn was victorious.
After the show we got seated at the centre table and feed some lovely roast pig, salad and baked potatoes. We were given a couple of boxes of chocolates and ice cream. At one point Ken disappeared from our table and I was told he was sitting at one of the other tables as the girls wanted to stroke his beard. (Like a small furry animal I guess). The girls at the same table then tried to get Bran (Daniel) to come and sit at their table. I think he was embarrassed as he tried to hide from them. Oh and on the way back to the cars Daniel was approached by a young green female dragon and asked how old he was. When he replied he was 20 she said “oh I thought you were about 14. But at least you are better looking than Justin Bieber) After Juanita relayed this to us, Paul started singing Justin Bieber songs to Daniel.
The school was pleased with our show and have asked us back next year. We got fed some nice food and did not suffer any bad injuries. And we now know that Daniel is better looking than Justin Bieber. And has more fans than Alex now.
Perth Medieval Fair
cherylOn first arriving at the Perth Medieval Fair on Saturday we could see that the organisers had arranged for more stalls than we have seen before. The Braid van was there again- and he went home with a lot less braid after Paul took me over there. Western leathercraft had two stalls running with some interested stuff. Paul brought me a copy of a book from a local WA author about a medieval murder and there was a stall selling Steampunk gear.
Tom’s stall did very well. It was amusing watching all the people walking away from his stall clutching their swords or axes in their sweaty hands. I thought it was very clever of the organisers to situate the ATM machine near the gate entrance behind Tom’s stall as well.
We set up a basic display this year aiming on recruiting instead of entertaining the public. We put out flyers and handouts, the display board with photos of the club and Derek and his plate armour. We then all took turns talking to the public and got quite a bit of interest in people possibly joining. (I have received 2 emails this morning from people that are asking for further information about the club)
We had 10 members come along to help us during the day. Several of the guys also did some basic training in a small eric we put up. The public did stop to watch what was going on. Two members from the Twin River Guard group from Geraldton also came along to do some training and helped with our stand.
Overall it was a good fair with more stalls than ever and you could see that a lot of the public came along as they had an interest in history or fantasy or role-playing so was the perfect place to try and recruit from
Hyde Park Pirates
cherylIt was a hot two days of playing Pirates at the Hyde Park Fair on the weekend. I can see why pirates’ worn tricorn hats as they are very handy keeping the sun off your face.
It was great to see so many Grey Co pirates turn out in their assorted outfits. Even Bianca and Corbin looked very good as pirates. We had some good performances and at some stages the audience even clapped for us.
Some of the memories I have of the weekend are –
Thinking there must be a bush fire somewhere because I can smell something burning. Then realising Ken has gotten into his role of Blackbeard and has burning wicks in his beard.
Charlotte getting so excited as she got to play a tavern wench and her father got to see her perform.
As I was walking the eric ropes and turning around and seeing Bill flying and thudding into the ground as Greg flipped him. The look of surprise of the kiddies faces too
Fighting in the group melee and hearing Juanita giggling as she slaughtered John. I was not sure if she was nervous but it sounded like she was really enjoying herself
Watching John and Rusty getting into their roles playing two drunken sailors and have to lean on each other to stay upright.
Alex flicking his hair as he fought as the fancy pirate. (Alex you got some of the ladies attention with your hair)
We all worked hard during the hot too days but hopefully everyone enjoyed themselves.
We now have a couple of weeks before the next show.
Dale Christian College in Armadale.
SamWe had a great show today at the Dale Christian College in Armadale with a total of 8 members attending. The class was small but very well behaved and interested. We had Emlyn’s games, firestarting, armour and weapons and firelighting followed by a short fighting display.
Derek and Gaynor showed off their firebug roots and Gaynor also lead the sharpshooters with the crossbows. Judd, Mark and Matt showed off the range of armour and weapons available and waxed lyrical while I made the children work out what goes where with my armour scattered about. Emlyn ran the games. Before the battle some of the boys helped me into my armour.
The fighting was brief but very well received. First Mark and Emlyn fought with Mark finishing off the invading Viking. Then Judd and I fought in our full armour. My sword belt was on the wrong way around and my helmet fell off but despite this I was able to defeat Judd.
Given a moment to breathe we then had a final fight in which I recruited two Irish (Mark and Emlyn) to help me fight Judd and Matt. Taking on Matt I was overconfident about finishing him fast so let the Irish hold off the well armoured Judd. Unfortunately Matt was too fast and I was unable to finish him quickly. The Irish fought well but Judd ended up finishing them off. Matt managed a disarm on me and brought me down where upon I was captured.
After much debating and explaining from Derek, the children agreed to let me live. The teacher and the children were impressed.
Afterwards we had a look at the things they had built, including 3 trebs and an extraordinarily lethal morning star, and were ourselves very impressed.
Thanks to Mark, Emlynn, Judd, Matt, BJ, Gaynor and Derek for coming along and making a very fun show of it.
Sam
Day in Pompeii Parts III & IV
juddWell folks, we wrapped up the final of our Day in Pompeii shows for the corresponding exhibit at the WA Museum and it was undoubtedly some of our finest work.
Pictures are up for our Third and Fourth shows.
The ebb and flow of a great show is something that’s usually quite hard to put your finger on but one thing is for certain, you know it when you see it.
The grand entrance of Senator Titus and his Domina (and accompanying Praetorian Guardsmen), the Processori (introduction of the Gladiators) and the brutal (and quick) bloodshed of the captured barbarians killing each other in the arena are always quick to get the audience into things.
Along with the introductions and brief descriptions of weaponry and armour, there is also the explanation of how the crowd is meant to help the good Senator Titus decide whether a gladiator lives or dies after they’ve yielded in a fight.
Instead of just thumbs up or down (like a movie review) it’s thumb sideways (lives) and down (dies) and a surprising amount of the crowd proves themselves quite bloodthirsty in demanding that the losing gladiators, who have lost their favour so, be put to a quick and honourable death.
A myriad of different fights presented a wide range of fighting styles and deathly blows, from the heavy-on-heavy of two gargantuan Murmillos pummeling each other, to the lithe and nimble Retiarius slashing and spearing the Dimachara (two swords) or a Thracean or two. There’s even a captured Dacean fighter that proves himself quite well with his native chopping spear, the Falx, while he leaps and chops his way through his fellow captives, fighting his way towards freedom… or a glorious death in the arena.
All up, a wonderful series of shows, and an exhibit that’s closing soon, so you should definitely check it out!
Day in Pompeii – Part I & II
juddPictures are up, of course, so be sure and intermingle your bloodlust during reading with the eye-pleasing colour and pageantry of the exhibition as well.
Grey Company was recently contracted by the WA Museum to perform in front of the museum during the "Day in Pompeii" exhibit, and we were only too happy to oblige.
The fact that an exhibit of this importance, with 2,000 year-old artifacts from one of the most fascinating of ancient cultures, almost perfectly preserved in volcanic ash, was coming all the way to humble Perth was only slightly more impactful to our club than the idea that, as what amounts to a theatre performance group, our club is perfectly suited to the crowd interaction (and bloodthirstiness) of the classic Roman Collosseum.
We aim to please.
The first performance day was at the end of May and the latest performance was yesterday, June 20th, and both were phenomenal.
For both Sundays worth of shows, 4 in total, the crowds were both thick and excellent, cheering loudly for their favourite gladiators and issuing harsh judgements of those that they felt deserved the "thumbs down" or a suggestion to our honourable Tribune, the glorious and impetuous Titus Titinius Geminus, that the defeated gladiator be quickly put to death.
For each show, the setup entails a somewhat standard circus-like atmosphere and ensuing performance. The classic scenarios for each show included:
- An introduction and welcoming to The Games, from the notable senator Titus Titinius Geminus himself, in both the traditional Latin and our own Queen’s English. Titus being heavily guarded by the meanest Praetorians he could find, no doubt, and accompanied by his favourite wife.
- The Processori, or procession, of the Gladiators coming in and being introduced to a racous cheer from the crowd. Some of them with even an extended introduction and explanation of their weapons and armour.
- A couple of warrior chieftains of conquered tribes fighting each other for the right to bear arms, in the arena, against the finest Gladiators on offer. Typically forced onto the field by the Praetorian Guard with the overtly implied options of "Fight or Be Executed". Given the options, the Dacian and the Frank tend to go for the weapons and tear into each other, literally. The Dacian wielding his Falx and doing significant damage. He tends to be a crowd favourite for his wildly decorated blue-painted face and sprightly and energetic attack on his enemies.
- Next is a "heavy" VS. a "light" – A Murmillo gladiator, a representative of the standard Roman soldier, who would don a fish-like helmet, manica (or scale-like arm armour) and leg protection, with scutum (legion-style shield) would take on a "pretty" fighter, a primadonna if you will, in the Retiarius, the Fisherman. The heavily-armoured Murmillo is solid and strong against the lighter and more susceptible Retiarius, who relies on his/her speed and agility to manoevre around their very dangerous aggressor. The Retiarius whips the "heavy" with a net, either snagging a piece of armour, or even a weapon, while the Murmillo attempts to stab, slice and/or crush their smaller opponent.
- At this point a Dimachaerus, or two-weaponed fighter, may take on a range of opponents. A Greek wielding two gladius (the sword that Gladiators actually take their name after) may fight a "heavy" Murmillo, or Thracean even, or potentially a Retiarius or other gladiators called "Praegenarii" whose flashy and garish style are meant to "work the crowd up" into a bloodthirsty frenzy.
- A Thracian may take on another "heavy" such as a Murmillo, fighting with a Sica (curved sword) and small square shield and hacking at his formidable opponent, or fight the Retiarius as well, or he may even fight the Praegenarii in a two-on-one, as these fights weren’t always mean to be fair.
The crowd tends to favour those with a flair for showmanship and honour, combined with skill and deadly accuracy. A lumbering Murmillo will tend to fair quite poorly to a lightly-armoured and agile Retiarius, especially if the "pretty" one has the favour of the crowd.
An honourable battle, fought with skill and energy (with that showmanship, of course) may get a gladiator’s life spared, should he/she fall to their opponent, or it may gain a gladiator considerable honour in the arena.
And of course, no honour can compare to that which the All-on-all winner receives… The Wooden Sword of Freedom.
The Rudis, or wooden sword, is a practicing weapon of the gladiator so that they may train in killing without actually killing. It is a replica of the Gladius, the sword that they are named after and may die by, and so the wooden replica represents their freedom and ability to travel the lands of the Republic of Rome as a free man with rights and privilege.
The final battle of each show is fought for such a prize, and it is fought with much energy.
All on All, no quarter asked, and none given, it is an absolute bloodmatch.
It is this the crowd comes to see and it is this that they love, their cheers of adoration and bloodlust raining down upon the mighty warriors shoulders and ears.
You should come check it out. You know you want to.
Next show, July 18th 2010. It’s free and it’s awesome.