The Knaresborough Eleven - a community production

Community Takes Centre Stage: Auditions for The Knaresborough Eleven

Knaresborough’s past comes to life this summer in a powerful new community production — The Knaresborough Eleven — and you’re invited to be part of it! Auditions are now open for this original play, which will premiere in August 2025 as part of the town’s annual feva festival. 

Inspired by the real events of the Knaresborough Castle Riot, The Knaresborough Eleven tells the story of a community standing together in the face of injustice. Devised through community workshops, the play draws on local research conducted by Howard Johnson, a descendent of one of the Rioters, Jackie Glew, who wrote The Extraordinary Tale of the Castle Yard Riot, and is proudly supported by the Knaresborough Museum, Rabbit Head Productions Ltd and Knaresborough Town Council.

Auditions will take place on Saturday 10th May at 7:30pm and/or Wednesday 14th May at 7:30pm at CREATE Studios, Hexagon House, Grimbald Crag Close, Knaresborough, HG5 8PJ, and organisers are encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved—whether on stage or behind the scenes.

“This play isn’t just about our town’s history—it’s about the strength of our community today,” says Rowena Lloyd, Producer of the production. “You don’t need experience, just a willingness to collaborate and be a part of this community.”

Rehearsals will begin in June, and the performances will take place on Sunday 10th August around the grounds of Knaresborough Castle in an immersive experience as part of Knaresborough's feva festival. From leading roles to crucial backstage work, there’s a place for everyone, so join us at our audition nights to find out more about how you can get involved on or off the stage.

Key Information:
Audition Dates: Saturday 10th May 7:30pm / Wednesday 14th May 7:30pm
Location: CREATE Studios, Hexagon House, Grimbald Crag Close, Knaresborough, HG5 8PJ
Performance Date: 10th August 2025

Audition Sign-Up: https://bookwhen.com/yorkshirecreate

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Join us in making something unforgettable: The Knaresborough Eleven – a true story, told together.

Common Land, Community and a Commotion  

Knaresborough’s past comes to life this summer in a powerful new community production — The Knaresborough Eleven. This original play co-written by Clare Lucy and John Westmancoat will premiere on Sunday 10th August 2025 as part of feva festival.  

Inspired by the real events of the Knaresborough Castle Riot, The Knaresborough Eleven tells the story of a community standing together in the face of injustice. Devised through community workshops, the play draws on local research conducted by Howard Johnson, a descendent of one of the Rioters, Jackie Glew, who wrote The Extraordinary Tale of the Castle Yard Riot, and is proudly supported by the Knaresborough Museum Association and Knaresborough Town Council. 

The Knaresborough Eleven play starts when Dr Simpson takes control of land near his recently inherited house, in castle yard. He fences in and locks away the land for his own private use, but in doing so prevents the local people from accessing a footpath across this land.  Annoyed at Dr Simpson’s behaviour the locals take it upon themselves to reclaim the land for the community and remove the fences and knock down a summer house built across the footpath. Despite the hundreds of people that attend this event, only eleven men are charged with causing a riot. The case against them seems hopeful as the reports and witness accounts don’t amount to the legal requirement of “terror and intimidation”. But a late witness changes their fate but also challenges the community to come together and show support for the Knaresborough Eleven and their families.   

The cast reflects this sentiment of a community coming together. Drawing people from both Knaresborough and Harrogate, these amazing performers have been offered the opportunity to tell this fascinating story.  Over eleven scenes, the audience will be led round the castle grounds and introduced to many different characters who all have their own opinion of the alleged riot and final verdict.  Join this historical moment, come part of the past, present and future of the Knaresborough Community and show your support for the Knaresborough Eleven. 

Key Information: 
Come and find out and get your tickets now: 

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/yorkshire-create  

Knaresborough Castle 

10th August 2025 

Performances are at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm 

Brought to you by Yorkshire CREATE and Rabbit Head Productions Ltd