Medea returns to Beer Quarry Caves

Beer Quarry Caves will be home once more to the spectacular Ancient Greek production of Medea in April, courtesy of innovative and immersive theatre company, Four of Swords.

Following a sold-out run last year, Medea is back at this incredible subterranean venue from Wednesday 11 – Saturday 21 April 2018.

Having toured Devon and Somerset during the autumn, Four of Swords are returning to Beer Quarry Caves to perform again their adaptation of the Greek masterpiece by Euripides, Medea. The production left a lasting impression with audiences who described the production as “hugely gripping” and “absolutely the best performance art in the most stunning location”.

A story that has lasted the test of time, Medea is the ultimate heroine, villain and victim, all rolled into one! High priestess of Colchis, Medea is the grand-daughter of the Sun, who betrayed her homeland in order to elope with her lover, Jason, and assisted him in his quest for the fabled Golden Fleece.

We join Medea fifteen years later and witness her life now. 'Happy ever after' it certainly is not! Jason is abandoning her, and the children she has borne him, and entering into a new marriage with the princess of Corinth. As the saying goes, Hell hath no fury...

Enchanting, terrifying and gut-wrenching performances, complete with spine-tingling choral singing and a finale featuring the Sun-god himself, dark and dastardly Medea is suitable for audiences over the age of 11.

Sarah White, Four of Swords co-founder and the actor playing Medea said: “We are delighted to be bringing Medea back to Beer Quarry Caves, the venue is perfect for allowing our audience to be up close and personal, right in the thick of the action, with events unfolding all around. Our productions are designed to be excitingly interactive but without the need for audience participation, our work is all about creating multi-sensory, unforgettable experiences."

The Greek myths are a staple of storytelling, and the characters which they contain recur again and again throughout history. "These tales are ancient, but incredibly relevant," explains director Philip Kingslan John, "Medea tackles themes of nationalism, colonialism and xenophobia, as well of course as the unfair treatment which Medea receives on account of her gender."

As with all Four of Swords shows, places are limited and early booking is advised. Audience members will be on their feet for all of the 75 minute run time of the show so comfortable footwear is a must. Wrapping up warm and bringing a torch to help you from and to your car is also advisable! Regrettably, performances at Beer Quarry Caves are not wheelchair accessible.

Tickets for Medea at Beer Quarry Caves from Wednesday 11 – Saturday 21 April 2018 are £15 with performances at 7pm and 9pm, for these or for more information on the company's educational work visit four-of-swords.com

"Utterly utterly stunning. We were mesmerised"
Exmoor Magazine (2017 production)