Galleries -
Capriole & A Companye of Strangers in 2009
Fun at the Fetes Johanniques in Reims 2007

 

Capriole and A Companye of Strangers perform Early Dance in sumptuous costumes of silks and velvets. They transport you back to a bygone era, when dancing was a vital part of a gentleman's or lady's accomplishments. The ability to dance well was often a great asset at Court, and it was the main opportunity for gentlemen to make the acquaintance of ladies. Henry VIII was (in his younger days) reputed to be one of the best dancers in Europe; Queen Elizabeth I was particularly fond of the dance, and was by all accounts a very able performer herself.

 

The ensemble Capriole was formed in 1983; originally just three women with a love of early music and period costume and a wish to bring their own brand of joie de vivre to the performance of Mediæval and Renaissance music.

 

Dressed as ladies and gentlemen of the court in fine silks and satins, they breathe life into ancient songs and tunes and bring the past into vivid focus. Capriole sing songs from the 14th to the 17th century, ranging from Trouvère songs of 13th century France, through court songs from Tudor times, to rounds and catches from the rumbustuous Restoration period. They play lively dance tunes and haunting ayres on Renaissance woodwind, a feast for the ear and the eye!

 

 

Capriole and A Companye of Strangers entertain with an extravagant salmagundy of song, music and dance, and like to invite the audience to come and join the dance. They provide entertainment for Mediæval Banquets, Re-enactment Events, Festivals, Ceilidhs, private parties and anything they think might be fun! They can provide exciting costumed entertainment for Renaissance and Tudor/Jacobean periods.


Capriole are:

 

Alison Thornley
Alto Voice, Renaissance Recorders, Gemshorns, Bass Crumhorn
Helen Mitcham
Tenor Voice, Percussion,
Renaissance Recorders, Pipe & Tabor
Heather Inkpen
Soprano Voice, Percussion
Izzy Simmons
Mezzo Soprano voice, percussion

 

Recordings:

Lewdly Sing Cucku 1996

Gathering Codpieces 2001

Pucelete (Anon) - Recorded Live at Faversham Folk Club 30th July 2008

Nightwatch (Anthony Holborne) - Recorded Live at Faversham Folk Club 30th July 2008

Sancta Mater Gratiae (Anon) - Recorded Live at Faversham Folk Club 30th July 2008

 

See us in 2010 at:

23 May Medieval Mayfest, Badlesmere, near Faversham, Kent
5 - 6 June Fêtes Johanniques, Reims, France
11 July Sandwich Medieval Fayre
17 - 18 July Hever Castle Kent
28 July Faversham Folk Club, Preston Street,Faversham
21 - 22 August Medieval Festival, Picquigny, France
28 - 29 August Medieval Festival, Folleville, France


                   
                   
              
           
           
For further information and bookings, contact:

Heather Inkpen 20 Nargate Street Littlebourne Canterbury CT3 1UH
Tel: 01227 720529

Alison Thornley Hunsdon House, Kingsnorth Road, Ashford,Kent TN23 6LX
Tel: 01233 620065

Email info@capriole.org.uk

 Practice dates for 2010/2011
(Barham Village Hall 11am - 2pm) (New members please ring Heather first in case of changes) ·

17 October 2010
21 November 2010
19 December 2010
16 January 2011
20 February 2011
20 March 2011
17 April 2011