The Raree Show or The Fox Trapt at Merchant Taylors
The Fox Trapt 2024 Cast
© Sarah Cowling
Offering the following trifle for your perusal...
Performance Details
As the opening theatrical performance of the York Georgian Festival, "The Raree Show or The Fox Trap’t,", is a lively and quintessentially 18th-century theatrical production that promises entertainment, wit, and historical intrigue, presented by Holy Trinity Goodramgate at The Merchant Taylors’ Hall.
Think of all the delightful clichés of 18th-century theatre: mannered acting, plays with double titles, characters whose names give away their personalities, wicked uncles, clever servants, comedy foreigners, physical comedy, and happy endings. "The Raree Show or The Fox Trap’t" delivers all of this with a hearty dose of charm.
This theatrical romp follows a tale of a ward trapped into marriage against her late father’s wishes, divided couples reunited, sword fights, terrible French accents, clever tricks, and a satisfying “happily ever after.”
The driving force behind this tale is the fascinating figure of Mr Joseph Peterson, an actor, parishioner of Holy Trinity, Goodramgate, and writer. Joseph Peterson was born in 1710 and aged 22 married Margaret Whare in St Micheal le Belfry. In January 1738, their son Joseph was baptised at Holy Trinity, Goodramgate, with Peterson listed as a "comedian" in the parish records. Peterson was so dedicated to his craft that he added new meaning to the phrase “dying on stage” by quite literally dying mid-show (in October 1758, while performing "Measure for Measure" at Market Cross Theatre in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk).
One of the venues used for theatre in York in the 1700s was The Merchant Taylors’ Hall and it is here that we will stage this lively production on 7 August 2025 at 1930.
Bedern Board
We are very grateful to Merchant Taylors for dedicating all the funds from this show towards the conservation and restoration of the Bedern Board which is displayed at Holy Trinity, Goodramgate.
The Bedern Board is a unique piece of the history of York in that it remembers the boys of Bedern School who served, were captured, injured and killed during the Great War (1914 to 1918). These lads lived in what would have been one of the poorest areas of York. The memorial is a simple combination of vellum and ink, but the red ink which lets us know their fates is disappearing. The Board needs urgent professional attention to try and bring the red underlining back before their stories are lost.
In this way, performance of a work, written by a parishioner of Holy Trinity from 300 years ago, aims to preserve the stories of parishioners from over 100 years ago. The show has also benefitted from sponsorship by Gray's Solicitors.
Our volunteers will be combing public records to create a small exhibition highlighting a few of the tales of the boys from Bedern who served in the Great War. It will be available to view at Merchant Taylors alongside the show on Thursday 7 August and then at Holy Trinity Goodramgate until Monday 11 August.
Please come to the show or make a donation and help to ensure that the stories of these ordinary boys and the dangers they faced are not lost forever.
Venue and access information
Lighting: Light levels are low and this event will be by candlelight. We do not have electricity in the main body of the building.
Temperature: The building is over 800 years old and temperatures inside are usually lower than those outside. Please wrap up warmly! Georgian dress is encouraged for those who wish to indulge.
Seating: Seating is in historic (and very Georgian) box pews which are fixed into position. Sight lines vary and seating is allocated on arrival. You may be required to share a box pew with others. Blankets are available on request, but you are welcome to bring your own blankets and cushions for your comfort.
Toilets: There is one toilet in the building. The facilities can only be accessed by speaking to our stewards. There are three steps up and the office where it is located may be locked. The cubical has handrail support and a changing table, but no bins. Please take rubbish away with you. The facilities can be reached by those requiring step free entry via an external door. There are alternative toilet facilities in The Old White Swan pub nextdoor.
Access: Floors are uneven throughout. The building is wheelchair accessible save for the Sunken Chapel. The three stairs down to the Sunken Chapel may be slippery so watch your step in this area. There is a ramp with handrail inside the main door. We are usually able to accommodate at least one wheelchair user, but we would recommend that you visit the venue in advance to discuss the best possible seating arrangement for you. Please email york@thecct.org.uk with any questions or to arrange a visit.