Ram Alley, or Merry Tricks by Lording Barry

Step into the raucous world of Ram Alley, or Merry Tricks, a bawdy comedy penned by Lording Barry, a contemporary of Shakespeare. This audacious production not only bankrupted Barry, forcing him into debtors prison, but also sparked a new life of piracy for him. Set in a seedy London lane where lawyers, lords, and ladies mingle with prostitutes and rogues, the play is a vibrant tapestry of wit and scandal. While a 19th-century editor bemoaned its gross passages and risqué innuendos, modern critics have uncovered the plays cleverness, depth, and humor. Though it has only seen three revivals since its debut in 1611, it recently garnered attention in a poll seeking the best forgotten play by an Elizabethan or Jacobean dramatist. Join us for a journey through this historical gem, narrated by Rob Board.