The Chaucer Heritage Trust was delighted to support Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club’s performance of The Canterbury Tales, adapted for stage by Martin Riley. The production, directed by Alex Hall, was performed at the Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe from 14-17 May 2025.
Innovative Retelling
Martin Riley’s lively, fast-paced adaptation presents four medieval alchemists who attempt to bring Chaucer back to life by inviting a group of Chaucer’s best-known pilgrims: the Knight, the Wife of Bath, the Pardoner, the Nun’s Priest, and the Miller to tell their Canterbury Tales.
The Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club production was staged as a group of travelling players operating from a medieval mysteries style ‘pageant wagon.” The wagon was wheeled onto stage full of props and set for the cast to rummage around and present to the audience. This ingenious device helped provide a medieval flavour and provided a focal point for the audience.
Versatile Cast
The energetic and talented cast of nine were on stage throughout and played a total of thirty-five roles. In addition to playing their parts energetically they worked closely with the audience creating a wonderful performance dynamic. Comic moments were provided by not only the excellent cast, direction and script but some ingenious props including two “stunt bottoms” for the notorious Miller’s Tale scene.
The final night was made extra special due to the guest appearance of Martin Riley, the writer of the adaptation. The production received fantastic reviews from audience members and in the local press.
The Chaucer Heritage Trust are very proud to have helped bring the life and works of Geoffrey Chaucer to the Scunthorpe community. We encourage more groups to apply for our Drama Scheme Grants and look forward to supporting more productions in the future.
“Alex Hall’s rendering of The Canterbury Tales will undoubtedly kickstart conversations among audience members over the chiming legacy of Geoffrey Chaucer; this enthusiastic reappraisal is a literal, infectious joy.” The Reviews Are In
“It truly was a great performance and well produced and directed, from the accuracy and precision in which the lines were delivered to the backdrop, costumes, props and set.” Scunthorpe Nights
Just wanted to say how much we enjoyed it last night. It was really brilliant. Funny, interesting and thought- provoking all at once – which I presume was Geoffrey’s original intention too. Fantastic performance from all the cast. Audience Feedback
