Location: Agincourt, France and Guildhall, Leicester
One thing I have been lucky enough to do this trip is to go see a show at the Leicester Guildhall, a beautiful timber framed hall dating from about 1390. It was the meeting place of the Guild of Corpus Christi, a small group of powerful businessmen in Leicester. The hall was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1926, and it is one of the city's gems.
National comedian Anthony King has performed many shows at the Guildhall, including one on Richard III, which I will see later. His shows feature history told through comedic songs, sung by Anthony who accompanies himself simply on the guitar. Audience participation is often encouraged.
Today's show was about the Battle of Agincourt, upon the occasion of its 600 anniversary. During the Hundred Years' War, England under Henry V went to war with France. The battle was won for England, with only 400 English dead and 6,000 French. As a result, Henry V was recognised as heir to the French throne and the regent of France. Unfortunately his victory didn't last long, as he died a few short years later from camp fever.
What is especially fun about these musical programmes is that they are performed in the Guildhall's library, a room with bookshelves and timbers and lots of atmosphere at the top of the hall. The hall was built before the events taking place in the song, so it is easy to imagine coming to the Guildhall back in 1416 and being told the news of the battle.
We will go back this week to hear the Richard III concert. There is promise of a new song about the Leicester City Football Club, the new Premier League champions!
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