Claim OwnershipThe Pageant Wagon Podcast
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© 2026 The Medieval and Renaissance Drama Society & Historical Stages Media
Description
The Pageant Wagon Podcast is dedicated to the history of medieval and early modern theatre. In each episode, host Kyle A. Thomas goes in-depth with leading historians, literary scholars, and performance specialists who share insights from their latest research, publications, and stagings of historical drama. From Latin plays and mystery cycles to courtly entertainments and secular performance traditions, the podcast explores the story of theatre in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period.
Thumbnail image courtesy of Heather Mitchell-Buck.
7 Episodes
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Should high school students perform Shakespeare? What are the best ways to introduce students to the works of the Bard and guide them through their staging? We examine the place of Shakespeare at the secondary level in American education and how *magic* can unlock a world of possibilities.
What was it like to actually witness a play in late medieval England or Scotland? What were the conditions like when going to see performances? This episode explores the connection between performer and audience in the Middle Ages and how thin such a distinction truly was.Episode Links:The York Mystery Cycle and the Worship of the City by Pamela King
We usually encounter the plays of William Shakespeare in their First Folio form. But, what scripts did Shakespeare's actors use originally? And how did they rehearse their shows? We explore the historical and material conditions of performing Shakespeare in his own day--and how to bring that experience to university students today.Episode Links:The Alabama Shakespeare ProjectThe Henslowe-Alleyn Digitisation ProjectA working bibliography performance-based research into early theatre
The Restoration Period in English history saw the return of the Stuart Monarchy to Britain and the return of drama to British stages. But how did England restart its theatre industry after over a decade of banishment? And what can we learn today about the fits and starts of Restoration Theatre?Episode Links:The Business of English Restoration Theatre, 1660 - 1700 by Deborah Payne
The Blessed Virgin is a common character across medieval drama. But, was she always a symbol of devotion or did her appearance in theatrical performances challenge her sacred status?Episode Links:Virgin Whore by E. Maggie Solberg
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