The Reivers were lawless families who terrorised the Anglo-Scottish border for 400 years, from Northumberland to Edinburgh, Carlisle to Dumfries. Now, as part of the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival, the terrifying reign of these raiders and pillagers will be brought to life once again.
Northumberland-born playwright, Steve Byron, weaves three gripping stories together for this production of Tales From the Borders.
Elysium Theatre Company, Alnwick Playhouse and Highlights Rural Touring have joined forces to present the show which will tour across the North East and Cumbria throughout this month in a production directed by Jake Murray and designed by Caitlin Mills and Lee Ward.
The three tales created by Byron, including Blackmail, God Forsaken Place and The Widow’s Path, feature a humble farmer, an exiled lawman and a young woman sold into slavery as they each take a stand against The Reivers. This new drama, steeped in the history and folklore of the northern Borders, follows their stories as they battle the marauding Reivers.
Tales From the Borders evokes a world not unlike today where law and order struggle against violence and corruption and good must fight impossible odds against malevolence. Will good triumph over evil or will evil be victorious?
Growing up in Hexham, Steve Byron was aware of The Reivers and was inspired to find out more. He says: “I am a huge history fan as well as a fan of westerns and gangster films. At that time the North East really was like the Wild West! Families, left to rule for themselves, were killing each other and stealing from each other. Protection racketing started with the Reivers. It was chaos and it was all happening here, on our doorstep.”
Over three weeks, the production, which features Micky Cochrane, Steven Stobbs and Karen Traynor, will take in a host of venues, something that Steve Byron is delighted about. He says: “I am so thrilled it will be performed in community halls and historic venues such as Newcastle Castle. Community theatre is really important to me and it is wonderful to know these stories, which look at all different aspects of The Reivers, will be heard. These tales are part of this area’s history and culture.”
The tour starts in Alnwick on Wednesday 16th November and takes in venues in Durham, Appleby, Hexham and Newcastle before ending on Thursday 1st December in Amble.
For further information, head to elysiumtc.co.uk.
