Before Nell/After Agincourt

The Crooked Billets Theatre Company presents an exciting double bill of one-person plays that cleverly use Shakespeare’s Henry V as a framework to explore themes of coming of age, grief, war, conscription, and PTSD. Written in the 1980s, these neglected pieces offer a heart-breaking and darkly comic insight into the hardships and social dynamics of their time, drawing alarming comparisons with contemporary life.

Before Nell is told through the eyes of a boy actor preparing to take the stage as Nell Quickly, aka Madame Pistol, in the first-ever production of Shakespeare’s play, Henry V. After Agincourt is a visceral recounting of the English invasion of France in 1415, set in The Boar's Head Tavern seven years later, where a drunk and bitter Pistol details the campaign of bloody battles using vivid modern vernacular, tearing down the heroic image of King Henry V.

Before Nell stars up-and-coming talent Felix Uff as the Boy Actor, and After Agincourt features Torchwood’s Gareth David Lloyd as Pistol. The plays are directed by BAFTA-nominated Paul Olding and were written by Peter Mottley.

Reviews

‘An inspired double bill of compelling plays, delivered in the intimate space of The Tabard Theatre, and is highly recommended regardless of how familiar you are with the source material!’ - Mark Aspen Reviews

★★★★☆

Practical info

Tickets: £24.50 General Admissions / £21.50 Concessions.

Seating: Row H, the back row, is high bench seating. The auditorium has steps up the centre aisle, so book at the front for anyone who may have difficulty with steps or heights.

Age Guidance: Recommended for audiences aged 14+. Contains strong language, alcohol consumption, detailed descriptions of violence, sex references, and themes of grief and PTSD.

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours including an interval.

Latecomers: Latecomers will not be admitted until the interval.

Frequently Asked Questions: Please see here.