Tourists visiting Boston generally make it a point to see historic sights such as the Bunker Hill Monument and Paul Revere’s House. Other draws for Boston include the Charles River, the Red Sox and the chance to hear its residents say “Pahk the cah.”

Medieval Manor – A Most Unusual Boston Experience

But those who want a more unusual experience should probably consider taking a trip back in time, to the Dark Ages, right in Boston, at The Medieval Manor Theatre-Restaurant. Who wouldn’t want to glimpse a time when minstrels created merriment while diners, served by wenches, experience the joy of eating without utensils?

An evening spent at one of Boston’s most unique institutions provides an unforgettable couple of hour experience that one will always remember. The combination of an entertaining performance and rustic dinner has surprised and delighted audiences for decades. The show is made possible by a group of professional actors that will convince you that you’ve traveled hundreds of years back in time.

Medieval Manor founder, Don Akin, created the uproarious production in 1973 and since then the interactive dinner performance has been enjoyed by hundreds of guests, many of whom have returned time and time again. The performance space and stage takes place in a big old dining hall, with a castle-like setting. Long banquet tables welcome curious, unsuspecting guests who will be entertained and perhaps even mocked by the king during their feast.

Once inside the theater/restaurant expect the unexpected. Enormously enthusiastic actors in period costume including serving wenches, jesters, oafs and musicians make it easy to forget that modern-day Boston is just on the other side of the door.

Matthew “Schpilkus” Lahey has been part of the company for the past 10 years. The artistic director said “People who work here love their jobs. Many also have other acting gigs and some teach drama.” Dressed in black and yellow striped tights, a long tunic adorned with several sparkling necklaces and a wacky hat, Schpilkus makes quite an impression. Before the start of the show he warns “Don’t try to sneak off to the bathroom unless you get the king’s permission first. You’ll have to approach him and make a request to travel the “Canterbury Trail” on bended knee,” he said.

Medieval Manor Boston

The performance begins with guitar music played by a minstrel and actors performing a balcony scene, while diners are served a rustic pizza and warm bread. Soon after the mussels are served a great fanfare announces that the king is coming, and his majesty enters the stage with music and singing. But is he a kind king, or more of a dictator? No one knows until he begins toying with his audience. His first order of business is to choose a “Peon”, a member of his audience who will endure an evening of teasing and humiliation.

Audience member Juan Zapata was chosen by the king to serve as the Peon, and immediately began an evening of being picked on – in a good hearted way. Zapata and his dinner companion, Kerri Biggerstaff came to Boston from Rhode Island and was very excited about the performance. “Actually I wanted to get picked as the Peon. It makes it that much more fun,” Zapata said.

The pair confessed to having participated in the feast and flagon in the past. “We love Boston and we’ve been here before, and had such a great time that we decided to come again,” said Biggerstaff.

On the stage, the king’s subjects sang and danced and the king recited, or tried to recite Shakespeare. Wenches continued serving dinner courses that included dragon stew (hearty tomato soup), giant beef ribs, salad, and finally a roasted half chicken for each diner. All food is eaten without spoons, forks or knives. Tearing at the ribs and chicken as in days of yore is an experience not found at any other Boston eatery. Though napkins were abundant, there were raised eyebrows.

Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic mead were also served throughout the meal, and those who over-indulged and felt the need to visit the loo were required go before the king at his throne and ask for permission. Will he say yay or nay?

King Gus is one of several kings who performs at the feast, and like many of the staff, he has played his role for years. Known as Bill Forbes in current times, he said he loves what he does. Dressed in a flowing robe and crown, Forbes enjoys wielding power, giving jibes to the Royal Peon, and singling out those celebrating a special occasion. “I love being a part of this show. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and I think people love it,” Forbes said.

Period perfect slapstick, laughter, and humor aimed at mature audiences make for a raucous night spent in another time. Those looking for an evening of traditional theatre won’t find it here. However the experience is not to be missed, especially by those from out of state as there is only one Medieval Manor.

For more information:  www.medievalmanor.com