Crusader’s Feast II at Sportsplex

More than a year has passed since Aelric of Blackthorn, newly elevated to baron, re­turned home in the north of England from the Third Crusade.

It is late in the year 1193, and King Richard the Lion­hearted is still held captive by the German Emper­or Henry VI. Attempts to raise a ransom have been made. However, the last thing Prince John wants is his royal broth­er’s return to England. Those loyal to Rich­ard are trying to raise the ransom in secret.

Join the court of Baron Blackthorn for a night of in­trigue, revelry, fine food, and the keeping of secrets at the second Crusader’s Feast.

The first one, held in April 2008, was a mediaeval dinner theatre experience. If featured a compelling story, authentic peri­od costumes, sword-fight­ing, Middle Eastern dancing, an exotic mediaeval banquet.

 The Crusader¹s Feast II is presented by Blackthorn Pro­duc­tions, of Guelph, in con­junction with The Castle San­grael and Training Wheel Pro­ductions. The event was conceived by Blackthorn¹s Ian Walsh. The play was written by Susan McLay and directed by Mich­ael McLay.

Founded in 2004, Black­thorn Productions is a Guelph-based company that specializes in mediaeval education and en­tertainment.  Its mandate is to portray mediaeval history from the late 11th century to the late 12th century, the time of the first three crusades.

Blackthorn supports the grade 4 mediaeval curriculum through hands-on demon­strations, performs at festivals, runs theatre and mediaeval workshops, and offers birthday entertainments, all geared to its chosen period.

The Crusader¹s Feast II is Nov. 14, at the Centre Well­ington Sportsplex. The doors open at 6pm.  The feast begins at 7pm and includes two courses of six dishes each, topped by an array of desserts. There will also be a cash bar, merchant booths, and a silent auction.

Tickets are $50 per person, $90 per couple. A group rate for ten or more is $40 a person. Tickets are available at The Castle Sangrael, Elora (519-846-2999); The Gauntlet Comics and Games, Orange­ville (519-938-2220; and Black­thorn Productions (519-760-2238).