Synopsis
After 4 years of participation as costumed historical re-enactors, artists
Nina Pope and
Karen Guthrie were given unprecedented access with their cameras to the UK's oldest and largest historical re-enactment, Kentwell Hall in rural Suffolk, and have created a fascinating documentary feature film about living life as a Tudor. Among the 500 volunteers spending their summer holidays re-creating every aspect of 16th century English life, they met a core of loyal and protective re-enactors whose real life stories form a fascinating counterpoint to their chosen 16th century roles. Shepherding through the thousands of paying visitors who keep Kentwell afloat is owner Patrick Phillips, a distantly paternal leader who describes the epic spectacles as his game. In January 2008 Pope and Guthrie won the prestigious Northern Arts Prize for
Living with the Tudors and other docu-dramas they have participated in. The judges commented that: ''We were struck by the ambition of Pope and Guthrie's vision, and by their witty, entertaining engagement with history. They clearly enjoy the work they do, telling stories that provoke interest with a broad audience.''
