THE middle of the 16th century was a turbulent time – a fevered period in the bloody history of the Reformation in England. A new play, which gets its world premiere at Exeter Northcott Theatre on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd October, looks at the dramatic events in Devon in February 1547, soon after the death of Henry VIII.

The Commotion Time, set at the time of the Western Rising, has been written by Sarah Dickenson, and is supported by the Creative Arc Programme, which is a joint project of the University of Exeter, Exeter City Council and the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

It’s February 1547 … On the Cornwall/Devon border, the people of Poundstock are looking forward to completing their biggest ever community project: the Gildhouse, a state-of-the-art building for brewing, fundraising and feasting. But there are dangerous clouds on the horizon as the authorities in Exeter force through an array of reforms set to drive division into the heart of the community.

As bellies empty, society fractures and the Gildhouse’s key is taken away, the people take action in the only way left to them. They march to Exeter in their thousands to challenge the king and finally be heard.

This world premiere drama, produced by the Northcott Theatre with a company of professional actors and local performers and singers, depicts an incredible moment in Exeter’s history, giving voice to the women at the centre of a story that still shapes the city and our local communities today.

It is a remarkable, dramatic and often very funny story of love, passion, murder, kings, queens, battles and more, told with an original score, live music and songs.

Audience members can choose to sit in the main auditorium, or book one of our special on-stage seats to get extra close to the action.

This is the first production directed for the Northcott by the new creative director, Martin Berry.