THE MANSION THROUGH TIME is full of family secrets, buried treasure and an impostor so notorious Charles Dickens put him in a book. This show will change your view of Ashton Court — forever.
The Mansion Through Time: At Home With The Smyths premiered at Ashton Court Mansion on the weekend of 25-27 June 2021, and enjoyed sold-out performances throughout. It then returned by popular demand as part of the Bristol Open Doors weekend; 10-12 September 2021
Gerard Cooke co-devised the script and played the role of Sir Greville Smyth - a man of youthful exuberance, enthusiasm and curiosity for the natural world and the flora and fauna in his collection.
"Eastenders has the Mitchells, Bristol had the Smyths. Join us on a journey and meet the dynasty that gave us Ashton Court Mansion. Impostors, buried treasure, a lost ring and it’s even better than a soap opera because it really happened. You’ve walked in the grounds, but how much do you know about the family who lived there for 400 years? All is revealed in this new outdoor family show. Seven actors play seven characters, all with remarkable stories to tell. From high born to low born, from Civil War to Second World War, from Queen Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II and from first resident Hugh Smyth to Esme Smyth – the last. Follow the Smyths and their servants through 400 years of English – and Bristolian – history."
Cast: Gerard Cooke, Kirsty Cox (June 2021), Naomi Richards (September 2021), Rachael Fagan, Lindsey Garwood, Sheila Hannon, John Lomas, Kirrris Riviere.
PRESS LINKS
The Mysterious Painting - Bristol Times - 15.06.2021
