The Bonny Moorhen

Event information

A cast of local actors, musicians and singers present an epic true tale from 1818 when a group of starving leadminers rose up against the Prince Bishop of Durham to assert their right to hunt, kill and eat the red grouse, a native gamebird. The affray, which was known as The Battle of Stanhope, was immortalised in song before becoming the inspiration for an award-winning play by celebrated singer-songwriter Jim Woodland. Originally produced by Jack Drum Arts, "The Bonny Moorhen" was the focus of a hugely successful community play performed in a barn on the banks of the River Wear in 2012. Now, in a new version, created specially for Festival of the North East, the story will be played out promenade style on site at Killhope Leadmining Museum. "Nothing short of pure brilliance" Weardale Gazette, April 2012.