King Arthur

About this book

King Arthur, or The British Worthy, is a play or Semi-Opera with a libretto by John Dryden and music by Henry Purcell. It was first performed at the Queen's Theatre in London in 1691. In this unusual version of the Arthurian legend Arthur is King of Britain fighting to repel the invading Saxons led by Oswald, King of Kent, and in love with the blind Princess Emmeline, daughter of the Duke of Cornwall. The play has many supernatural elements, Enchanters, Magicians, Spirits, Apparitions and Transformations. The play ends with a Masque for which Purcell wrote some of his finest music including the song "Fairest Isle" in praise of Britain. (Summary by Alan Mapstone) Cast List: King Arthur: Algy Pug Oswald: iamshawn Osmond: Beeswaxcandle Conan: Greg Giordano Merlin: Larry Wilson Aurelius: Priamedes Albanact: HelloCentral Guillimar: Wayne Cooke Emmeline: Christine Rottger Matilda: oogiesragdoll Philadel: ToddHW Grimbald: Agnes Robert Behr Cupid: Inkell Genius: Alan Mapstone Syrens: dc Aeolus: ToddHW Pan: Elijah Fisher Nereid: Rapuzelina He: David Purdy She: Michelle Purdy Comus: Alan Mapstone Venus: Alan Mapstone Prologue: Alan Mapstone Epilogue: Agnes Robert Behr Narration: Alan Mapstone Audio Editor: Alan Mapstone