Summer 2022 on the matthew
Hello and welcome to our latest blog post – we're delighted to let you know what’s in store at The Matthew this July and August. Read on for all the details…
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
The Matthew Team
The Matthew at Bristol Harbour Festival
First up, we're very excited to be a part of the 50th edition of the Bristol Harbour Festival on the 16th and 17th of July. We'll be doing something completely different this year – hosting the world premiere of The Hamlet Voyage at Underfall Yard!
The Matthew is partnering up with Re:Verse Theatre at the 50th Bristol Harbour Festival on 16th and 17th July for the world premiere of their brand new production of The Hamlet Voyage, a new play telling the story of the first record of Shakespeare being performed outside of Europe.
The Matthew will be docked at Underfall Yard for the festival – The Hamlet Voyage will be performed on board twice each day, at 12:00pm and 4:30pm.
It is free to watch and there will be seats both on the ship and the shore, available on a first-come-first-served basis. There will also be West African drumming, dancing and storytelling workshops in between performances on both days.
Please note: This event will take place entirely outdoors. In the case of inclement weather, performances may be delayed, modified or cancelled.
ABOUT THE HAMLET VOYAGE
Written by Rex Obano and directed by Ben Prusiner, The Hamlet Voyage is a new play about the first record of Shakespeare being performed outside Europe: a production of Hamlet, acted by sailors in 1607 for West African dignitaries during the first English voyage to reach Mughal India.
The Hamlet Voyage is a theatrical critique of the very beginnings of British colonial ambitions. Drawing on classical performance across three continents – from Shakespeare and sea shanties to West African storytelling and drumming to South Asian music and puppetry – Re:Verse Theatre examines the cross-cultural encounter that took place before England became deeply involved in the Atlantic slave trade, before the age of British imperialism, and before Shakespeare became a global name.
RADA staged reading featuring Ellen Thomas - photo by Dan Fearon
Public trips Timetable
Our latest batch of dates has now been announced – these are all of our currently confirmed public trip dates.
Any new dates will be added to our Book Tickets and Timetable pages as soon as they are announced, so please do keep an eye on these pages. You may also like to sign up for our email newsletter - we send one to all subscribers when new trips are confirmed.
29/06 Weds Fish & Chips Trip: 5:00pm - SOLD OUT
02/07 Sat Fish & Chips Trip: 2:00pm - SOLD OUT
06/07 Weds Fish & Chips Trip: 5:00pm
09/07 Sat Avon Gorge Cruise: 12:30pm - SOLD OUT
10/07 Sun Avon Gorge Cruise: 1:45pm - SOLD OUT
13/07 Weds Fish & Chips Trip: 5:00pm
16/07 Sat Bristol Harbour Festival: All day - FREE!
17/07 Sun Bristol Harbour Festival: All day - FREE!
20/07 Weds Fish & Chips Trip w/Piratitude: 5:30pm
23/07 Sat Avon Gorge Cruise: 12:35pm - SOLD OUT
24/07 Sun Avon Gorge Cruise: 1:45pm - SOLD OUT
27/07 Weds Fish & Chips Trip w/Piratitude: 5:30pm
06/08 Sat Avon Gorge Cruise: 10:30am
07/08 Sun Avon Gorge Cruise: 11:50am
16/08 Tues Harbour Trips: 11:00am & 1:00pm
17/08 Weds Harbour Trips: 11:00am & 1:00pm
18/08 Thur Harbour Trips: 11:00am & 1:00pm
19/08 Fri Harbour Trips: 11:00am & 1:00pm
20/08 Sat Avon Gorge Cruise: 10:25am
21/08 Sun Avon Gorge Cruise: 11:30am
23/08 Tues Harbour Trips: 11:00am & 1:00pm
24/08 Weds Harbour Trips: 11:00am & 1:00pm
24/08 Weds Fish & Chips Trip: 4:00pm
25/08 Thur Harbour Trips: 11:00am & 1:00pm
26/08 Fri Harbour Trips: 11:00am & 1:00pm
Photo credit: @izabelaprobert
Parker’s Adventure
And finally, keep an eye out for Parker!
To celebrate 135 years of helping, healing and homing the city’s vulnerable animals, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre has created an interactive adventure trail.
Join the trail to follow fluffy four-legged hero Parker the dog on his adventures around Bristol – make a stop at The Matthew’s Princes Wharf mooring and find out who he meets aboard the ship!
Sign up to join Parker’s Adventure and receive a free map.
Visit The Matthew
When we’re not out on a public or private trip, The Matthew is open to visitors throughout the summer season - find us at our Princes Wharf mooring, just along from M Shed.
It’s free of charge to visit The Matthew – you can come on board, have a look around, climb the steps to the upper decks, and have a chat with our knowledgeable volunteer guides and crew.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4pm
Photo credit: @grace.e.d.i.t.s
