PAST THEATRE PROJECTS

Written & Directed by Dario Knight 

 Fire up the flux capacitor and prepare to hit the road. We're headed back to the 1980s for a time-travelling tale in which our hero Benny builds his own time machine in order to retrieve a lost 80s artefact...

A 'Frantic Fable' performed at Aylesbury Town Council's 'Live in the Park', Headstone Manor's Village Fayre, and QPAC's Open Day. 

"My daughter's been asking for a "but then" bedtime story every night. She couldn't wait to see you again!"

Written by James Kenworth

Directed by Jade Ward McFarlane 

Three working-class ghosts, resurrected from the poverty and hardship of early twentieth-century Silvertown, return to confront the inequalities of both the past and present and re-stage the 1889 Silvertown Strike led by Eleanor Marx. This time, the ending is their own. 

Unbound acted as an Associate Producer on the seventh of James Kenworth's acclaimed Newham Plays.

"A brilliant fusion of history and site-responsive contemporary theatre" 

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Dario Knight 

Having fled the fury of a father and a tyrant who forbid their love, two lovers and their friend find themselves lost in the woods, amidst a troupe of local actors and warring spirits of the forest... 

A week-long run at QPAC as part of our Buckinghamshire Shakespeare Festival. 

"I so enjoyed the production! It was fantastic. I had to remind myself that many of the cast were not yet adult as their performances were outstanding!"

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Andrew Faber

A supremely silly take on Shakespeare's iconic comedy. A road closure has depleted our touring cast, who must now complete the tale of Viola's adventures in Illyria alongside the puritanical Malvolio and bombastic Toby Belch with puppets, masks, and some very daft hats.

A two-week tour as part of our Buckinghamshire Shakespeare Festival.

"Demonstrated the amazing talent to be found at Unbound. Well done to everyone involved. I was in awe..."

Written by William Shakespeare, Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight
Directed by Dario Knight 

Speeches, scenes, sonnets, songs, and original comedy sketches celebrating Shakespeare's unique take on pubs and drinking, and exploring how to make Shakespeare's plays little more logical.

A one-weekend tour as part of our Buckinghamshire Shakespeare Festival.

"You've converted me to Shakespeare! I hope we get to see you again very soon."

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Erika Sanderson

Long ago, Prospero dedicated his life to the study of magic, and paid the price for his devotion. Usurped of his dukedom and banished to a remote island with his infant daughter Miranda, he vowed to have his revenge. Now, many years later, the opportunity has finally come... 

A two-week tour as part of our Buckinghamshire Shakespeare Festival.

"It was very slick with good use of the stage. Great characterisations. Really well done to all."

Written & Directed by Dario Knight

Adapted from the novel by Kenneth Grahame 

Join us on the riverbank for this new retelling of Kenneth Grahame's classic novel, in which Ratty, Mole, and Badger must unite to stop Mr Toad's calamitous craze for motor cars.  

A 'Frantic Fable' performed at Dunstable Town Council's Classic Motor Rally, Aylesbury Town Council's 'Aylesbury-on-Sea' event, and Bierton School's Summer Fayre.

"Bonkers! We loved every second of it. A shame it was only twenty minutes!"

Directed by Dario Knight 

 In 1895, Oscar Wilde sued the Marquess of Queensbury for libel. The trial that followed would unravel Wilde's life and career, leading to a criminal case that accused him of gross indecency and practicing homosexual acts. Relive those infamous cases in this rehearsed reading of excerpts from the transcripts of each trial. 

Part of Unbound's 'Wilde Words' season.

"Fascinating to discover the details of a case I thought I knew well. Utterly engrossing."

Written & Directed by Dario Knight 

 Journey with us to Camelot and take your place at the Round Table, as we recount a potted history of Arthurian legend. From the Sword in the Stone to the Quest for the Holy Grail, this is a show of truly mythic proportions.

A 'Frantic Fable' commissioned by Harrow Council for the May Day Fair at Headstone Manor & Museum.

"My children absolutely loved it, it was brilliant to see them so engaged."

Written & Directed by Dario Knight 

Additional Material by Gareth Johnson

No, she wasn't a super-cool schoolgirl with special powers; she was a super-cool empress with a claim to the English throne!  Come and discover the real-life story of a woman who asserted her right to the crown, and went to war to defend it.

A 'Frantic Fable' commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for the 'Women in History' event.

"How have I never heard of Empress Matilda before?! A fantastic and informative show."

Written & Directed by Dario Knight 

It's press night for a brand-new show opening in the West End and it hasn't gone well. The actors have stumbled, the writer is in an ambulance and now the play's director and press agent are trying to limit the damage.

They set out on a misguided mission to win the favour of two reviewers attending the after show party: a hardened critic, and a vlogger live streaming their review that night.

"Just come home with face ache, congratulations everyone!"

Written & Directed by Dario Knight 

Think you know the story of St George? Think again! This irreverent retelling of the story of England's patron saint has it all: a fire-breathing dragon, a quick-witted princess, and a brave knight with his trusty steed!

A 'Frantic Fable' production, commissioned by Dunstable Town Council for their St George's Day Celebration event.

 "We never misss your shows. This is was the best one yet!"

Written by Oscar Wilde

Directed by Andrew Faber

Rehearsed readings of five classic Oscar Wilde short stories: The Happy Prince, The Nightgale and the Rose, The Selfish Giant, The Devoted Friend, and The Remarkarble Rocket'.

Part of Unbound's 'Wilde Words' season. 

"It  really is lovely to go to a production where you can tell the texts  have really been studied and they've been constructed in a way that  really showcases Oscar's talent. "

Written by Jo Pratt

Directed by Erika Sanderson

In 1949, a child is born in London to bereaved and traumatised Jewish refugees. In 2024, she peevishly prepares to celebrate her 75th birthday in a respite home with the help of her long-suffering daughter, Helen, and supremely patient care worker, Atef.  

Winner of the 2025 New Voices writing commission, funded by the Rothschild Foundation. 

 "A powerful piece tackling challenging subject matter with sensitivity and striking realism."

Written by Oscar Wilde

Directed by Andrew Faber

Algernon Moncreiff and Jack Worthing have courtship in mind, and both are determined to engage in it under an assumed name to escape the trappings of polite society. However, as the two set out as their alter egos, they become entangled in a jumble of mistaken identities, society aunts, and a handbag... 

"What a privilege to see so much talent on one stage, from emerging performers to experienced voices."

Performed by SDSD, The Performers Hub, & Unbound

Musical Director - Kenton Brigden

A special concert of classic tunes and forgotten gems from all manner of musical theatre genres, including Victorian Music Hall, comic opera, cabaret, acclaimed West End musicals, and modern classics.

"What a privilege to see so much talent on one stage, from emerging performers to experienced voices."

Written and Directed by Dario Knight

A week-long tour of libraries across Buckinghamshire, sharing one of our Frantic Fables ('The Blank Book'), plus a writing workshop from Hannah Kennedy.

This project formed part of our work funded by the Rothschild Foundation 

"Engaging, inspiring, and entertaining. A great way to encourage children to read and write stories."

Written by Oscar Wilde

Adapted & Directed by Dario Knight

A script-in-hand stage adaptation of Wilde's classic novel, in which Dorian Gray makes a chilling bargain to be bestowed with eternal youth...

Part of Unbound's 'Wilde Words' season. 

"A really striking take on the text. Eerie, unsettling, and affecting in equal measure."