The King’s Arms, Burton in Kendal ,Cumbria. June 21st and June 22nd – 2018
The Royal Oak, Keswick. September 20th
The first play in the cycle imagines the arrival of Keats and Brown at The King’s Arms in Burton in Kendal. The men discuss the journey so far: Keats’ parting from his brother George, who had set sail for America, his concern for his brother Tom, their shocked response to working conditions in Lancaster. They rapidly engage with the barmaid at the inn and through dialogue with her the play incorporates Keats’ poetry, the historical context – the elections and riots of that year – and a surprise appearance by Wordsworth! And jokes!