Doctor Faustus is back...and this time it’s personal

Four of Swords terrified sell-out audiences with its version of Christopher Marlowe's classic play Doctor Faustus, performed at Exeter's 900 year old St Nicholas Priory for Hallowe’en 2014.

The Exeter theatre company has now developed a spin-off show which will be performed at The Devon and Exeter Institution in Cathedral Close. There will be just three exclusive performances of Dr Faustus Presents An Evening of Renaissance Magic, 16th and 30th January and 13th February

It is not a re-run, but a new kind of play which blends story-telling with music, film projection and nuggets of historical information on Renaissance views and practices.

Following the Four of Swords formula, there will also be magic, theatrical spectacle and entertainment. Unlike many of the company’s shows, it is a seated event, although audience sizes are even more intimate than usual.

Philip Kingslan John, last seen being transported to Hell as Faustus who had sold his soul to the devil, explains the premise of the story:

“Faustus has impressed Lucifer in Hell, so he is allowed to spend an evening in ghost form amongst the living to tantalise and captivate an audience of potential new magicians.

“We think the intimate space and presentation will give audiences a unique and extraordinary experience.”

Does it end well for the good doctor?

“Well it didn’t last time,” says Philip.

Director Sarah White explains more of what those lucky enough to get one of the limited amount of tickets can expect:

“We are using some speeches and dialogue from Marlowe’s play, along with ideas from Marlowe's German source, The Faust Book, and its sequel The Wagner Book, combined with our own original writing.

“Audiences can also expect divination, scrying, necromancy and evocation. They’ll even have the chance to have their own questions and conundrums answered by the ghost of the great Doctor Faustus.”

Doctor Faustus and his Evening of Renaissance Magic can be enjoyed in the outer library of The Devon and Exeter Institution on 16th and 30th January and 13th February. All performances start at 7.30 and tickets at £15 are available from www.four-of-swords.com

Non-alcoholic refreshments are included in the ticket price, but Four of Swords advises that a stiff drink may be required after the performance.