Ram Alley, or Merry Tricks by Lording Barry

About this book

Ram Alley, or Merry Tricks, is a bawdy comedy by Lording Barry, a contemporary of Shakespeare. The production bankrupted Barry, landed him in debtor's jail, and set him off on a life of piracy. The action of Ram Alley takes place in a disreputable London lane where lawyers, lords, and ladies rub shoulders with prostitutes and vagabonds. One 19th century editor complained that it was "full of gross passages, allusions, and innuendoes," but more recent commentators have seen past the risque gags and recognised the play's wit, complexity, and intelligence. Ram Alley has only been revived three times since 1611, but recently came close to topping a poll of academics to find the best 'forgotten' play by an Elizabethan/Jacobean dramatist. - Summary by Rob Board Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Sir Oliver Smallshanks: Andrew Utley Thomas Smallshanks: davidpr William Smallshanks: Rob Board Boutcher: Negatron Lady Sommerfield: Elizabeth Klett Constantia Sommerfield: Lynne Thompson Frances: Beth Thomas Mistress Taffeta: Alex Lane Adriana: Sandra Schmit Lieutenant Beard: Hamlet Throat: Peter Tucker Dash: Hannoria Justice Tutchin: Richard Shipp Captain Puff, aka Captain Face: Zames Curran Sergeant: alanmapstone 1st citizen: Lydia 1st & 2nd gentleman: Joseph Tabler A drawer: Ruth Golding Serving man: Mary Kay 1st woman: Availle Constable: Newgatenovelist Audio edited by: Rob Board