A new TV series 'Castles: Britain's Fortified History' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04t9h6l) starts tonight at 9pm on BBC4. The series is presented by Dr Sam Willis. The programmes trace the story of Britain's castles and their unique role in our history, art and literature (it says). Bodiam Castle features in next week's episode on 11th December. I was … Continue reading Bodiam on the telly and another year’s work
Category: Live Interpretation
Inside Kent Magazine
The team get a mention on page 106 of May's Inside Kent Magazine, which is nice. The relevant paragraph says... To add to the charm of the castle, there are a number of volunteers [sic], dressed in era-appropriate garb, who will inform you of the life within a busy castle and tell tales of many … Continue reading Inside Kent Magazine
Onderox Magazine
The live interpretation team have received a review in Onderox Magazine (in Flemish). I'm not quite sure how significant Onderox is, but it's nice to be international. Google translate renders the section on Bodiam as... The medieval castle For a portion of history we pull back inland. Bodiam Castle, in a small village, dating back … Continue reading Onderox Magazine
Sussex Life
My work as a live interpreter at Bodiam Castle was mentioned in an article in Sussex Life magazine recently. In other news the new outfit for Sir Edward Dallingridge has arrived (see left) and I've tried it out on a couple of occasions. It is a magnificent piece of work by Black Swan Designs. We … Continue reading Sussex Life
At work
It's been a tough couple of days at work. At the weekend Bodiam ran an All Souls evening event called The Red Lady - a kind of adventure game / theatre piece. I was the audience's guide as they strove to solve a series of riddles. It was great fun and wonderful to be working … Continue reading At work
Inigo Jones et al
This summer has been very busy indeed. During one period I worked 46 days in a row with only one day off. I'm going to be taking it a bit easier in September. I have started working as a freelance live interpreter in addition to my 'day job' at Bodiam Castle. I applied to top … Continue reading Inigo Jones et al
Meeting your heroes
The job at Bodiam Castle may be indifferently paid and involve idiosyncratic hours but it does have many compensations. It is the best office I've ever worked in and I do like working with people when they're intent on enjoying themselves. This month has been extra special though. I've got to meet and work with … Continue reading Meeting your heroes
Baker’s peel
I've managed to locate and buy a baker's peel in a local antique shop. I'll be using it in the story of the paindemain loaf at the castle. At last, a prop I can really lean on.
Bodiam Castle – Season 1
Sunday marked the end of my first 'season' as a costumed interpreter at Bodiam Castle. I'll still be working there through the Winter but much less frequently. My cycling season reviews can fixate on times and numbers. This is less easy to do with interpretation. I did, however, give over 160 presentations and 14 school … Continue reading Bodiam Castle – Season 1
Performance 101
Today I clocked up my 101st presentation to the public at the castle (I can do up to 5 a day). Each performance lasts 15 minutes, so that over 25 hours of telling people stuff. Most of the presentations have been the story of the Pandemain loaf (a.k.a. The Baker Talk). It's evolved into a … Continue reading Performance 101
Lance Woodman 