1549: The Story of Kett's Rebellion
2016-17

Kett’s Rebellion is one of the most significant events in Norfolk’s history.

For years ordinary working people have been increasingly exploited for the private gain of a privileged ruling class that pay little heed to their calls for equality and social justice.

In 1549 people found themselves struggling, starving and destitute as the land that they held in common and supported their livelihoods was being enclosed by rich landowners for profit.

Led by Wymondham man Robert Kett a huge number of men and women from across Norfolk marched on the Norwich to make their case. They set up camp on Mousehold heath, took control of the city and called for the king himself to hear their plight.

Our show was about what happened to those men and women in six summer weeks of 1549, from the establishment of their own system of fair representation and justice to their brutal repression by an army of mercenaries. 

Written by Simon Floyd and Karl Minns (the Nimmo Twins) it told the human story of the rebellion in our ‘panto-documentary’ style – a serious tale laced with lots of chorus work, comedy, song and audience participation.

More than 3000 people watched the free show in and around the city’s outdoor spaces in the summer of 2016, including performances at The Forum, Cow Tower and Mousehold Heath. It also formed an important part of the Lord Mayor’s celebration weekend where at least some of the company joined the Lord Mayor’s procession.

At the penultimate show on 9th July we lit the beacon on Kett’s Heights in the name of the those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom.

In 2017 a professional production adapted for five multi-role actor-musicians toured the county. 

The script for the 2016 community show can be found here.