This summer the Banqueting House on Whitehall will come to life with the sights and sounds of the masque, recreating the lavish entertainments of the early Stuart Court.
Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that looks after the Banqueting House, and JB3 Creative have worked together to transform the only surviving part of the Palace of Whitehall into an immersive theatrical experience. Visitors will find out how draughtsman and architect Inigo Jones created his infamous masques for the king, and will be able to try on costumes, learn a masque dance and witness the rehearsals for the performance.
A masque was not in fact a masked ball but a fantastical event that was a specific form of court entertainment; a cross between a ball, an amateur theatrical, a play, and a fancy dress party.
Visitors entering the Banqueting House main hall will discover what was involved in creating these elaborate masques from the ‘backstage’ workmanship to the ‘front of house’ performance. Through a series of specially designed sets, they will meet key characters from the court of King Charles and learn about the masques created for him and his wife Queen Henrietta Maria.
At the heart of the experience a large stage will play host to a recreated rehearsal for part of the masque Tempe Restored, last performed at Banqueting House in 1632. Visitors will be encouraged to watch or take part as Inigo Jones, the masque designer, fills them in on his imagined vision, which will come alive through a series of projections, before the Queen and courtiers will then perform part of the masque.
In a workshop area visitors will explore set designs and discover how Inigo Jones brought elements to English theatre that we now take for granted, such as moving scenery, stage wings and the proscenium arch. There will be the opportunity to become a proficient court dancer through learning the steps to a Renaissance dance by copying the moves on our specially commissioned film. Visitors will also get the chance try on our replica theatrical costumes. How will you look wearing the head dress of an ass or a wolf, or elaborate hats and bodices, will you compare to Queen Henrietta Maria in her fabulous star spangled costume will you impress King Charles I?
A small ‘chill-out zone’ will encourage visitors to relax on beanbags and admire the famous Ruben’s ceiling whilst listening to modern recordings of music frequently performed at the masques. At weekends there will also be period musicians performing music from the period.
Meanwhile downstairs, beneath the vaulted ceiling of the Undercroft, a temporary café selling cakes, sandwiches and refreshments will be available to quench a courtiers thirst. Entrance to the café is free.
For more information and images please contact Eloise Maxwell on 020 3166 6340 or Eloise.maxwell@hrp.org.uk
