Theatre

That Knave, Raleigh

Dyad Productions

Tickets: £16

Monday 12 October 2026 : 7.30pm
Tuesday 13 October 2026 : 2.30pm

The astonishing highs and lows of one of Britain’s most famous historical figures


The award-winning Dyad Productions (Austen’s Women: Lady Susan, A Room of One’s Own, Christmas Gothic, Female Gothic) return to The Swallow Theatre with a new solo show about the famous and fabulous Elizabethan explorer, sailor, dandy, and warrior, Sir Walter Raleigh. Elizabeth I’s favourite and James I’s knave.


That Knave, Raleigh video trailer

This is a journey through the astonishing highs and lows of one of Britain’s most famous historical figures. But there’s so much that perhaps you don’t know…

Father, husband, writer, poet, adventurer, philosopher, soldier, tyrant, egotist, lover, traitor, alchemist, visionary, victim.

In a life spanning around 65 years, Sir Walter Raleigh achieved more than others might do in a hundred lifetimes. Over a decade in the Tower of London and still he held power. The Huguenots, America, The Armada and execution. Is that the whole story? The final chapter of Raleigh’s life is perhaps the most daring, strange and utterly heart-breaking.

See the fall from grace taken directly from historical record, marvel at the magnetism of a man who seized every opportunity to create a legacy which spans the centuries and at every wrenching, exalting and personal moment, you will be witnesses.


That Knave, Raleigh

Dyad Productions

Written and performed by Andrew Margerison

Directed by Rebecca Vaughan

Costume by Ninya Mikhaila

Lighting design by Martin Tucker

Sound design by Danny Bright

Photos by Ben Guest

Created in collaboration with The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead.


Duration: approximately 75 minutes straight through.

After the performance ticketholders are invited to join an optional Q&A with writer/performer Andrew Margerison and director Rebecca Vaughan in the bar.

Recommended age : 12+

Sudden loud noise

Contains haze at the start

References to death/grief

References to suicide

References to execution

Praise for previous work by Dyad Productions:

Intelligently adapted, beautifully performed… entrancing.

British Theatre Guide

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