History will be portrayed with a difference at the Milntown estate, in the north of the island next month.

Street performance artist Greg Chapman will visit Milntown on the first weekend of September to perform a series of short shows, followed by an evening display, where he will give his own particular take of interpreting historical events.

Greg is a street theatre performer, and has created a show that he calls’ Condensed Histories’, mixing juggling, magic, acrobatics, escapology and balancing to tell tales from some of the key moments in history.

In past routines, he has retold the tale of the Battle of Agincourt, using the unconventional historical props of comedy, audience participation, a unicycle, sword, shield and water balloons.

For his series of shows, entitled ’Milntown’s Magnificent Manx Medley’ Variety Show , Greg said that he has created a one or two new routines based around Manx history, including the battle of Sky Hill.

’I live on the Isle of Wight, and have always had a fondness for islands, but I’ve never been to the Isle of Man, so I’m excited to correct that for a start,’ said Greg.

’ But I like creating new material, and learning new history, and so, when a venue like Milntown gives me the opportunity to come and perform my shows during the day, and to craft a special show about the Isle of Man and Milntown, how could I possibly resist the opportunity to create new material about this rich history, or to perform in such a magnificent setting?

’The show will feature various pieces that I have written specifically for Milntown, and so there will be a fantastic "one night only" feel to the performance.’

Greg holds a degree in history, and decided to combine that with his entertaining skills to create a show that is as informative as it is exciting.

’Essentially my shows are about entertainment, but also about history.

’I have always found history fascinating in its own right, but I know some people don’t agree. Maybe they had a bad teacher, or just never found the right stories from history to capture their imagination.

’I will make it fun for people who claim to hate history, and yet interesting for those people who love history.

’I perform magic, escapology, juggling, comedy and more, and hopefully by the time people have found themselves wrapped up in the show they will realise that the history I base these around is every bit as interesting as the variety skills on display.’

Greg doesn’t want to give away details of his unique Manx performance, but says that he will be combining some of his favourite stunts in the show.

’I will always have a fondness for the knife juggling that has become one of the trademarks of my performance, but I think for me the escapes are the most interesting regular piece I perform, as they are always a genuine struggle.’

Greg will be performing small 20 minute routines around the gardens throughout Saturday September 1 and Sunday September 2, with an outdoor evening performance on Saturday, from 6pm.

Tickets are £10, with children £5.50, and a family ticket £26, available online from milntown.org

by Mike Wade

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