During my period of self imposed exile from our cosy corner of the blogosphere, the 'Saintly Mrs. Awdry' and myself took advantage of a particularly pleasant end to summer by indulging in some days out and about. One such venture saw us travel into the Sunshine Coast's mighty metropolis to take in some gladiatorial games. Yes, as strange at it might sound, Eastbourne played host to a re-enactment group, known as Britannia and on a lovely sunny, Sunday morning we were treated to a series of gruesome bouts at the Redoubt Fortress. This really was an unexpected delight, with many of the group veterans of Ridley Scott's triumphant, 'Gladiator' and more recently the wonderfully entertaining, 'Horrible Histories'.
Although carefully choreographed there was a real sense of drama and excitement to the bouts, not to mention a fair bit of gore! Throughout the morning each style of gladiator was introduced with potted histories to further educate the masses. After the 'show' we were encouraged to ask questions and get hands on with some of the equipment, in fact I was quite alarmed at just how quickly the 'Saintly Mrs. Awdry' leapt up try on one of the helmets!
All in all a fabulous morning and a great opportunity to blow away some cobwebs from the night before. There was something rather magical about the setting in the Redoubt, but the only shame was that is wasn't better attended, but we were most definitely entertained!
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You didn't fancy stripping down to the waist and jumping in then ;)
ReplyDeleteI thought we'd spare the little children any nightmares on that front - great fun though.
DeleteI've seen this group perform at the local reconstructed Roman fort, the Lunt. Very entertaining, down to earth chaps, if you get the chance at one of their future shows, ask they about their filming experiences, fascinating stuff. They have a number of props used in various films that they will quite happily explain are worth a fair amount of money but they would rather play with their toys.
ReplyDeleteI certainly will Matt and couldn't agree more about been down to earth - a really professional group.
DeleteMost excellent! Would have loved to pick their brains for my Blood on the Sands game.
ReplyDeleteFrank
http://adventuresinlead.blogspot.com.au/
That would be a conversation to eavesdrop on.
DeleteReally cool :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them.
DeleteThat's quite an event
ReplyDeleteIan
It was certainly great fun Ian.
Deletevery cool! Rare to see such public disputes these days :-)
ReplyDeleteIt would certainly result in the issuing of an ASBO or two!
DeleteThat looked like a great day out.
ReplyDeleteI'm almost certain they run something similar at our local ampitheatre (Caerleon), after seeing these pictures I think I'll attend the next show.
As long as it was just a helmet and not the weapons Mrs A grabbed, you should be able to rest easy.
The Saintly Mrs A doesn't need sharp, edged weapons - I've seen her hockey stick!!
DeletePip pip
Thank you gentlemen, she is certainly not a lady to upset when armed!
DeleteLooks ace, thanks for sharing, will try and check them out next summer!
ReplyDeleteThey were great fun and wonderfully entertaining.
DeleteI'm Spartacus! What a grand day out. I hope you had lovely dinner to cap the outing off!
ReplyDeleteAs it was still early we ended up have a full English instead!
DeleteNice!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was.
DeleteExcellent! And no hexes. Gotta love the ominous look of the secutor
ReplyDeleteHe was a brute!
DeleteNow that looks like a fun event. I'm impressed with the Sainted Mrs. Awdry for putting that helmet on. You better hope she didn't sneak a sword home with her to keep you in line.
ReplyDeleteShe does't need a sword to keep me in line, she just threatens to hide my brushes!
DeleteItaleri and Pegasus, produce two wonderful sets of Gladiators Michael, and by your post, I'm tempted to buying them...as if I needed an excuse to indulge myself further. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent, I hope you don't spend too much on my account though.
DeleteExcellent! looks entertaining :)
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was Simon.
DeleteHaha, this looks like great fun!
ReplyDeleteHugely entertaining.
DeleteFabulous looking re-enactment. Got to love a bit of the glory and the majesty of Rome.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly did it proud - two shows a day.
DeleteEvery once in a while stuff like this makes me miss my reenactment days. Then I have a quiet sit down and a cuppa and realise I don't miss the expense, bruises or car trips to the middle of nowhere after all :-)
ReplyDeleteExcellent Millsy, I didn't know you were a re-enactor - any particular era?
DeleteSpectacular! What a well spent day.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly brightened my Sunday morning.
DeleteVery entertaining and not such a bad way to spend some time!
ReplyDeleteIt was a fabulous way to kill (no own intended) a couple of hours.
DeleteLooks like a grand day out!
ReplyDeleteIt was certainly a blast.
Deletevery interesting and funny!
ReplyDeletewell done.
bye
Thank you Luca.
DeleteGreat looking event!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was.
DeleteHow awesome! What a great display to go and experience.
ReplyDeletecheers
We only came across the event by accident, but delighted to have caught it.
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