Hereward The Wake

• The story concerns real characters and events from the time of the Norman Conquest. Experience a full two act Folk Rock musical without the need of images.  Perfect for a long drive.

• A story of adventure, politics, with a serving of Greek or Shakespearian tragedy.  One that  would have influenced the legend of Robin Hood and elements of ‘Lord of the Rings’.

• All original songs performed in character by fabulous members/performers of:  Dartford Folk Club, The Ark (Acoustic Roots Klub, New Ash Green),

           Moore Or Less Folk Club (Rainham) and Orpington Folk Club.

• Peter Orrell as Hereward; Mike Linter as William The Conqueror;  Curtis Savage as Ivo Taillebois; Lyn Lacey as Narrator; Pauline Llewellyn as Godiva;

           Chris Wilkin as Herluin; Norman Brooks as Gilbert’s Housecarle, Ely Monk, Gaoler, Priest, Norman and Saxon Soldiers; Alison Adams as Arnoul and Norman               official;  Joe Whitaker as Gilbert, Ely Monk, Cook and Guard; Manny Leman as Gilbert’s Housecarle; Jenny Barnet as Torfrida’s confidante; Nick Snobel as                       Abbot Brand and Winter.

           Chris Lea as Martin Lightfoot, Thord Gunlaugson and Iron Hook.

• Featuring amazing Mezzo-soprano and Ceilidh leader Marion Wyllie as Torfrida
• Suggested radio friendly tracks: Introducing Torfrida (2m 35s); Torfrida (3m 37s);  Warrior Queen (3m 24s); Palace in the Wood (2m 22s)

• A bit longer:  Bluebell Song (4m 20s); The Conqueror (5m 03s);  Battle of Hastings (6m 35s)

• Available for streaming and download
• This album follows on from the previous Dr Syn & The Scarecrow, Shackleton’s Endurance and His Stories, visiting stories from the past.  All instruments played by Chris: Guitars, Mandolin, Bass, Banjo, Keyboards, Lute, a bit of Fiddle and Percussion.
• Written, produced and engineered by Chris

• Hereward is banished from England as a teenager, during the reign of Edward The Confessor. He returns years later, after the Battle of Hastings, as a seasoned warrior and military leader.  At this time The Conqueror’s right to the throne is still in question.  He has destroyed English lives and homes to pay for his armies and support.  Hereward fights to bring about an alternative government, attempting to replace him with another Viking king, Swend Ulfsson.  Hereward is joined by his wife Torfrida, a military strategist in her own right.  Hereward’s army is effectively the last force preventing William having control over the whole of England.  However with time William becomes more established as the rightful ruler.  Hereward as a freedom fighter and rebel could now be seen more as a terrorist.  At the same time the continued struggle takes its toll on both Hereward and Torfrida, forcing changes to them both.  Hereward is aided by his family’s former servant Martin Lightfoot.  In watching Hereward’s back and protecting him from trouble, Martin enables him to gain the title of ‘Wake’ or ‘The Watcher’.