PAST THEATRE PROJECTS

Written & Directed by Dario Knight

Discover the tale of the man who's rumoured to have beheaded Charles I, and who went into hiding in Dinton, Bucks. From tales of historical conflicts to mysterious travellers and ghostly goings-on, this special storytelling show is an irresistible blend of fact and fantastic fiction.

Performed at the Queens Park Arts Centre Artisan Craft Fair, as part of the Buckinghamshire History Festival.

"A lovely celebration of the local community"

Written & Directed by Dario Knight

Count Dracula has a thirst… for fame and fortune! He’s sick and tired of trendy modern vampires getting all the attention, so he launches a bid for musical stardom. 

With the help of his Goblin Godmother, he soon finds that he’s the talk of Transylvania – but being the most famous vampire in the world can attract some very unwelcome attention…

Commissioned by and performed at Headstone Manor Museum.

"Bonkers and brilliant. Really got us in the Halloween mood."

Directed by Sandie King

Written by Ade Morris

In the vault of the British Museum, history is hurtling into the present day. Jane Parr has been exploring her ancestry, and she’s about to discover the story of Emma Bennett.

Miss Bennett is aboard a brigantine in 1804, but where is she sailing to? And, two centuries later, what is her descendant Jane really hiding from in the whispering museum vault?

"Congratulations on a witty, engrossing and thoroughly entertaining performance"

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray & Dario Knight

The Unbound Sketchbook are back on the road with more side-creasing comedy from their mighty book of sketches, and this year they're joined by a nefarious supervillain with a major HR problem - Professor Chaos...

"Very glad to see you back again. Brilliant as always"

Written & Directed by Dario Knight

When Professor Chronomier  investigates a mysterious local tour, history begins repeating itself. She's witnessed this before, but this time there's a Tempest at the end of the tale...

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council.

"It was great, all the actors were engaging and thoroughly recommend to anyone! I felt like it also made me really appreciate looking at the historical buildings and statues of Aylesbury which you don’t normally stop to look at."

Hosted by Amy Holmes

Directed by Dario Knight

A celebration of 10 years of Unbound. This special evening saw rehearsed readings of extracts from ten past projects - one for each year of the company's story, and each of them a different genre.

"A wonderful evening"

"Congratulations on a momentous day.  Unbound is a wonderful place with creativity and inclusively at its heart... thank you"

Written by James Kenworth

Directed by Dario Knight

Unbound served as a creative partner on  the latest instalment of 'The Newham Plays' by James Kenworth.

A fascinating exploration of the life, art, and spirit of Madge Gill, the outsider artist who attributed her work to a spirit guide named Myrninerest ("my inner rest").

Performed at Art in the Docks, East London.

"A revelation... thought-provoking and compelling drama." (4-star review from 'Plays to See')

Written and Directed by Dario Knight

Nellie and Neville take their duties as garden gnomes very seriously. Whilst the humans in the wide world succumb to slumber, they patrol the flower beds and vegetable patches, determined to keep the peace. Or should that be peas? However, trouble is afoot. Cartwright the Caterpillar is out to destroy this year’s harvest...

Performed at Waddesdon Manor, Vale Park (Aylesbury) & Headstone Manor

"Gorgeous. Funny, silly, and heart-warming in equal measure."

Directed by Andrew Faber

Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

It's the same old story - you finally get over the Roman Occupation... and then the Saxons turn up! Come and hear the stories of the Wessex kings and queens in this fast, funny (and - occasionally - furious half-hour  chronicle of English history. Expect murder, mayhem, and monikers... 

Commissioned by Dunstable Town Council for Ashton Square Day

"Great to see you guys again, we loved last year but this is even better"

Written & Directed by Dario Knight

Come and meet the world's worst art thieves, as Doreen and Derek prepare to pull off the greatest heist of their careers – robbing Constable’s  ‘The  Hay Wain’ from the National Gallery. 

Performed in Elmhurst Family Centre (Aylesbury), Hope Church (Chesham) and Mapledean Family Centre (High Wycombe).

Commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council for their 'Treasures & Tales' tour as part of WhizzFizz 2024. 

"So so funny that was hilarious, you guys are amazing"

Directed by Dario Knight

Written by William Shakespeare

King Richard holds the throne of England, but exiled noble Henry Bolingbroke is about to challenge the divine right of kings...

Performed at Queens Park Arts Centre, Wycombe Museum, Nag's Head (Great Missenden), Buckingham Library, Waddesdon Manor, Sunneyhill Barn (Rowsham), Ascott House & The King's Head (Aylesbury)

"A gripping, powerful, and timely production, with a superb ensemble cast. An outstanding achievement."

Directed by Gareth Johnson 

Writen by Gareth Johnson, Dario Knight, Brian Murray, Andrew Peter Shaw & John Hall

The Unbound Sketchbook return with a brand-new plethora of pages from their  mighty book of comedy sketches, including an introduction to the unlikely comic double-act of Stanley Knives & Guido Fawkes... 

"Great laugh-out-loud show - well done everyone!"

Directed by Gareth Johnson (Unbound) & Neil Goulder (AdLibretto)

The Unbound Storytellers and the AdLibretto team reunite for another double-header of improvised tales, including a brand-new musical all about the accountant who wished he could fly...

"Can't think how you come up with it! A Thoroughly enjoyable evening."

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Prepare for a whistle-stop history of the Roman occupation of Britain. Discover the story of how the Roman Empire found its way to our shores, how the Romans changed the country forever, and what life under Roman rule would really have been like for citizens.

Commissioned and performed for Dunstable Town Council's 'Classic Motor Rally' event.

"We thought it was brilliant. So nice to see some proper family theatre."

Directed by Dario Knight & Andrew Faber

We were asked to provide an evening of hight culture... but we did this instead! A tribute to the twisted genius of celebrated songwriter, satirist, and mathematics lecturer Tom Lehrer.

"Last night I spent a delightful evening at 

Queens Park Arts Centre at a performance by Unbound Theatre of Tom Lehrer’s fabulous satirical songs. The patter between the songs was sublime. The songs are still so relevant and laugh out loud funny. Thank you!"

Written & Directed by Dario Knight

Meet  Barry. He's determined to inject a bit of excitement into his life, and  so sets out to recreate the globetrotting voyage from Jules Verne's  classic novel. He's only got a bus ticket and a London A-Z, but he's  going to make the count... 

Commissioned by Harrow Council for Headstone Manor & Musuem.

"Thank you for a lovely show and well done for coping with the pouring rain! We thoroughly enjoyed it."

Written by James Kenworth

Directed by Dario Knight

Three prisoners have a story to tell. It's the story of Elizabeth Fry and how she changed prisons forever. But this is not a history lesson. You'll hear both contemporary and historical language. Because the question remains as it did in Elizabeth Fry's time: does prison actually work?

A staged reading performed at the Friends Meeting House in Aylesbury.

"What energy and insight! Everyone was rapt by the performance. Such a talented cast!"

Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Relive an epic period of English history as two houses go to war! This fast and funny half-hour sketch show charts the enmity that almost tore the kingdom - and the crown - apart.

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for their Medieval Fayre.

"Thoroughly enjoyable performance and a fun way to remember old history lessons! Well done all!"

Written and Directed by Dario Knight

London, 2024. 

The director's tale is where the answer is given.

For this is where the story ends. 

Performed as part of the revival of the 'Regency Theatre' trilogy of original one-act plays. 

"What an amazing evening! I cried I laughed then cried some more. So many truly amazing performances."

Written by Dario Knight

Directed by Andrew Faber

London, 2004. 

The writer's tale is where the boundaries change.

For illusion and reality lie either side of the same coin.

Performed as part of the revival of the 'Regency Theatre' trilogy of original one-act plays. 

"So so clever, the concept, the writing, the set, tech and delivered brilliantly by awesome actors."

Written & Directed by Dario Knight

London, 1984. 

The actor's tale is where the question is asked.

The storyteller and the story - can one ever truly master the other?

Performed as part of the revival of the 'Regency Theatre' trilogy of original one-act plays. 

"What a fantastic show, thoroughly enjoyed. Such excellent writing, highly recommend." 

Written by Micky Scott

Directed by Dario Knight

Jess has been born into a world that is not built for her, navigating life whilst feeling completely alien to everyone around her. After being introduced to the idea that she may be autistic by her therapist, Jess begins the journey of understanding...

The inaugural winner of our New Voices writing commission funded by the Rothschild Foundation

"Absolutely fantastic show, that conveys a crucial message beautifully. It should be seen in every school"  

Directed by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson
'The Blank Book' written by Dario Knight

A storytelling showcase featuring improvised tales and a brand-new short story written to launch our upcoming 'Aylesbury Anthology' community project. Come and discover what magic dwells within the pages of the blank book...

"How lovely to get to hear a brand new fairy-tale. I hope there are many more to come to fill your blank book."

Directed by Andrew Faber 

Written by Dion Boucicault 

Sir Harcourt Courtly is engaged to be wed to Grace Harkaway – a woman a third of his age. When Courtly’s wayward son Charles appears on the scene and falls head-over-heels in love with Grace, and Harcourt’s own        head is turned by the majestic Lady Gay Spanker, a 19th Century comic masterpiece ensues…     

"Not a play I've previously come across, but I'm very glad that I now have!"

Directed by Erika Sanderson

Written by Dario Knight

Several years have passed since Wendy Darling and her brothers said goodbye to Peter Pan. Now he’s back! Magic is disappearing from Neverland. Peter needs Wendy’s help – but neither of them is quite the person the other remembers. Only Christmas itself can restore the magic, but is it already too late? 

"Without a doubt, your best panto to date. We had three generations watching and all of them had the best time. Thank you!"

Performed by Gareth Johnson

From a story by Dario Knight

The Bard of Aylesbury performs a new story that travels back to 19th Century Oxford, where Charles Dickens is determined to return home in time for Christmas Day, for when midnight approaches, he has ghosts to confront...

Commissioned and performed as part of Aylesbury Town Council's Christmas Storytelling event. 

"This was an amazing event. I was so very moved by the Bard's performance and the words he spoke."

Written and Directed by Gareth Johnson

Our seasonal superhero returns with a brand-new festive adventure. Mayor Mulberry is planning a grand celebration to thank Captain Christmas for protecting Aylesbury from yuletide doom, but the mysteriously hypnotic Carol has other ideas...

Commissioned and performed as part of Aylesbury Town Council's 'Christmas on the Cobbles' event.

"Very glad that Captain Christmas is back!"

"I'll never listen to 'Silent Night' in the same way again!"

Directed by Dario Knight

Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, and Dario Knight

A live podcast recording featuring the very best pages from the Unbound Sketchbook's mighty book of comedy sketches, including a self-aware checkout, a diabolical evil genius with a staffing problem, and a trip to the museum of Greek literature...

"A great reminder of just how many hilarious sketches the Sketchbook have performed over the years."

Performed by Mary Hall & Hannah Rogers

From stories by Dario Knight

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Queens Park Arts Centre's Limelight Theatre, these two new theatrical tales included the story of how Eric the Skull made his stage debut in 'Hamlet'.

Performed as part of the QPAC Artisan Craft Fair 2023.

"Really imaginatively written and read."

Written and Directed by Dario Knight

Gertrude & Dorothy ride again! This time, they're headed to the airwaves, as the crime-fighting duo visit the village of Lower Lumbar, where the recently-appointed Mayor Winstanley has been sent a portents of his impending demise...

Commissioned and performed as part of the Audio Drama Hub Podfest 2023.

"Thanks to you all. I laughed hard at the performance. Great to see the whole team again."

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Written by Dario Knight

Two brand new illustrated stories inspired by local history, including the tale of Old Ma Mallard and her feathered fire fighters, and a chronicle of the life of Lady Mary Grey - reimagined as the Chequers escapologist!

Commissioned and performed as part of the Buckinghamshire History Festival 2023.

"Charming. Completely charming."

Written and Directed by Dario Knight

Professor Arkwright has spent his life exploring how people can be fooled. As retirement beckons, he summons three former students to his office to toast his long career.

But what have they done with their education in the ethics of deception? The conjurer, the mentalist, and the psychic. Who are they fooling? And why is Arkwright so keen to unite them before his career reaches its end?

"Superb production, with elements of Hitchkockian suspense!"

Directed by Dario Knight

Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Professor Chronomier returns for a third Aylesbury Town Council walking play. When Astrid calls for help with a temporal disruption, the Professor answers the call. Only, she's not the woman that Astrid remembers...

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council.

"Absolutely fab!"

"Great performances all round."

"This walking play, set in and around the beautiful St Mary’s church, was a great piece of science fiction, funny and well acted."

Performed by Jacki Dann & Mary Hall
From stories by Dario Knight

Two brand-new stories performed as part of Queens Park Arts Centre's Autumn 2023 Open Day. 

Tales included a brand-new fable about how the artistic muses brought colour into the world, and an arty adventure for Old Ma Mallard's flock on the Grand Union Canal!

"Super stories brilliantly told."

Written and Directed by Dario Knight

A celebration of two inspirational women - horticulturalist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, and record-breaking racing driver Dorothy Levitt - who find themselves thrown together in a comical crime caper involving buried treasure and a bizarre murder...

Performed at Waddesdon Manor, Headstone Manor, and Queens Park Arts Centre

"Fascinating and funny in equal measure."

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight

Unbound's comical chronicle of English history continues with a selection of sketches charting the history of the Plantagenet dynasty - from the warring reign of Henry II to the deposition of Richard II.

Commissioned by Dunstable Town Council for their Ashton Square Day event. 

"That was brilliant. I've never heard the history before, it was really well done"

"Hilarious. Can't believe you covered that much in half an hour."

Performed by Mary Hall, Emily Pugh & Gareth Johnson
From stories by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Brand new stories performed as part of Buckinghamshire Culture's annual Open Weekend. Including a tale of a water spirit, and the latest adventure featuring Old Ma Mallard's flock!

"A privilege to sit and listen to."

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by William Shakespeare

When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins... 

The first Buckinghamshire Shakespeare Festival visited Queens Park Arts Centre, Wycombe Museum, Nag's Head (Great Missenden), Buckingham Library, Waddesdon Manor, Sunneyhill Barn (Rowsham) & The King's Head (Aylesbury)

"Another amazing production. Each space they perform in brings a new and fab dimension to it, but the acting is constant. Brilliant!"

Written and Directed by Dario Knight
Adapted from the novel by Lewis Carrol

Jump down the rabbit hole and discover Wonderland in this immersive adaptation of a children's classic.

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for WhizzFizzFest.

"So big and bright and colourful. We enjoyed it so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Directed by Dario Knight
Created by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Our sleuthing audio sitcom returned to the stage, with live readings of the series' very first episodes: '...A Missing Person' and '...A Threatening Letter'.

"Brilliantly entertaining. The accents, the faces, the energy and the crazy storylines. Great to enjoy a really good laugh. And such a bargain for couple of chapters of the excellent Inspector Murder."

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Another historical dynasty comes under the eye of Unbound, as four Norman monarchs, one would-be king and a mighty empress are feature in this rip-roaring sketch show with a distinctly filmic theme...

Commissioned by Dunstable Town Council for their Classic Motor Rally event.

"Really enjoyed the performance! Thank you for a brilliant show."

Directed by Gareth Johnson (Unbound) & Neil Goulder (AdLibretto)

A special double-bill of improvised tales. 

Our Unbound Storytellers created a brand-new fairytale - 'Conanette the Barbarian' - and AdLibretto improvised a musical inspired by an audience member's childood dream to be a lollypop lady. 

"So, so clever and slickly performed."

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

In  celebration of coronation weekend, we embark on a rapid recce through  the Windsor dynasty, exploring six monarchs whose reigns spanned more  than a century - from Edward VII to Charles III.

Commissioned by Harrow Council for Headstone Manor & Musuem.

"Amazed  at how you managed to fit so much into such a short show. Loved hearing  plenty of facts among the (gloriously funny) silliness!"

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray & Dario Knight

The Unbound Sketchbook team are donning their camouflage gear and heading out on tour... in stealth mode! Prepare for sneaky sketches including a disasterous underworld deal, a poultry interrogation, and an overacting librarian...

"What brilliant fun. Some clever and original sketches."
"It was great fun, and a real laugh."

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight

From William the Conquerer all the way to Elizabeth II, Aylesbury has welcomed all manner of monarchs across the centuries. Discover their stories along with tales of Henry VI, Henry VIII, Queen Victoria, Edward VII, and... King Louis XVIII of France!

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for their 'Historical Fayre' event.

"Amazing and quite rightly drew such a great crowd for each performance."

Written and Directed by Dario Knight
 

Claire Jameson is directing a revival of little-known musical ‘Jolly Joyce’, and rehearsals aren’t going well… The actors are mixing work and pleasure; the stage manager’s not happy with the venue; and a surprise guest in the rehearsal room stirs up some unwelcome history.
 

"This was the first of your productions we've seen and it most certainly won't be the last. A thoroughly enjoyable performance of a thought-provoking play!"

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Featuring Stories by Dario Knight

Having spent two years traveling around Buckinghamshire collecting stories, the Unbound Storytellers returned home to QPAC with an evening of their favourite tales, alongside some improvisted yarns. 

"Some really beautiful stories, enthrallingly told."

"A perfect mix of written material and improvisation."

Directed by Andrew Faber
Written by Oscar Wilde
 

A rehearsed reading of Oscar Wilde's witty exploration of societal and political scandal, in which promisiong MP Robert Chiltern's marriage and career are threatened by a secret from his past. 

"Very funny with perfect comic timing."

"A joy to watch."