Take part in a historic trial re-enactment at Warwick’s Old Courts

Heritage Theatre, which formed this year, has specially commissioned a script taken from documents held at Warwickshire County Records Office depicting the trial of Ned Wicks.

It is the late 18th century and Ned is brought before the judge at Warwick Grand Assize charged with stopping the carriage of Lord Marchant on the public highway near Hampton Magna and demanding money with menaces.

Without recourse to legal assistance, Ned must defend himself using his own guile and wit to persuade the judge and the members of the jury of his ‘not guilty’ plea.

Gus Macdonald of the Loft Theatre in Leamington directs a cast containing many faces familiar to local theatre-goers. He said: “Our talented cast has had great fun working on such a rumbustious and saucy tale and I’m sure that audience members will find Ned’s story equally entertaining.”

The jury for each performance will be selected from the audience, who are invited to attend in period costume - and who will also be taken on a guided tour of the old cells beneath the court at Shire Hall.

This inaugural performance for Heritage Theatre takes place on Friday November 15 and Saturday November 16 at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on both days. Tickets cost £20. Call 492212.

heritagetheatrewarwick.co.uk