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Introduction to Live Interpretation

The International Alliance of Museum Theatre (IMTAL) defines live interpretation as, ‘a broad term used to cover any live interaction between museum/site staff and visitors'.

I participate in one particular type of live interpretation: high quality, professional costumed first person (character-based) interpretation.

This type of activity is not re-enactment – interpreters are there to educate and communicate, not present a version of the past as historical truth. It is not volunteers in home-made costumes – trained costumiers ensure that outfits are historically as accurate as can be ascertained so that the clothing itself can form part of the interpretive toolkit available, and we are definitely paid. This is a professional job. It is not scripted, nor performed as a vignette for an audience. Done well it is highly interactive, accessible to all without presenting a dumbed down version of the past, and can be challenging, provoking and, most importantly enjoyable.

I have worked in interpretive planning, as well as being an interpreter myself. I can be seen regularly in costume at Audley End, where I lead a team on behalf of Past Pleasures. Much of my PhD research has been road-tested in this environment, and I passionately believe that, with the right expertise and approach, along with clear interpretive aims, there is no limit to what can be explored with the public.

Please browse through the content within this section:

Case Study: Audley End

Service Wing Alive! enables visitors to see, smell and interact with the workings of a C19th service wing. I lead a team on behalf of Past Pleasures, the UK’s largest and oldest supplier of costumed characters.

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Conference Paper: Interpreting Hampton Court

Live interpretation is provided 363 days a year by Past Pleasures. I’ve worked on core interpretation as both a Tudor and a Stuart. This paper, given in 2008, considers whether costumed interpretation can be seen as ‘disneyfying’ historic sites.

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Media

I’ve made regular appearances for English Heritage promoting Audley End, as well as providing an ‘expert voice’ in my wider role as a food history expert.

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Characters

Core characters of my own devising, suitable for public-focussed or corporate events. Costumes by The Staymaker.

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Consultancy

Examples of my work with historic sites to provide interpretation-focussed research and advice.

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Historic food provision

On occasion I also provide both edible and inedible historic dishes for use by costumed interpreters.

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Public lectures and talks

In addition to a number of academic papers and publications, I also lecture and give talks more widely, both in and out of costume.

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My Experience

Find out more about more about my experience in live interpretation.

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