From early January 2020 a new historical research group found and translated original documents from the early 17th century (letters, wills, inventories and so on) stored at the Norfolk Records Office that shed light on the lives of Harleston residents. They researched six local families and concluded their work by the end of March. Local historian Stephen Poulter collated and edited their contributions into a booklet, Residents of Early 17th Century Harleston, which was available from September

A fun performance workshop took place in late January to encourage new participants to join the project, and many took part in the auditions for the play. But, instead of going straight into rehearsals, all activity had to stop entirely from the end of March due to lockdown restrictions.

I came dreading this but now I can’t wait to work with you all in the future;
I was daunted to come into a room not knowing anyone but I have really enjoyed it;
Great fun to try things out, especially singing as I have always been told I cannot sing.

Social distancing requirements to stop the spread of the virus meant that the play performances had to be cancelled and rearranged for July 2021, with the hope that the situation would be safer by then.

Fortunately in August 2020 the situation improved a little and it was decided to organise a version of the living history event, originally planned for July. The scenes were performed outdoors, around the town centre, by small groups on 19 September. To add to the atmosphere of the occasion the Earsham Wetland Centre brought heritage breeds of sheep, chickens and horses to display alongside the performed scenes. The event was warmly welcomed and well-attended by a community starved of any entertainment and limited social interaction.

I just wanted to say how much my daughter, grandchildren and I enjoyed the event put on by Harleston Players today. I thought they were brilliantly done, authentic, informative and entertaining. The atmosphere created in the town was wonderful.

In October an online talk, Personalities, Puritans & Pestilence, by local historians Stephen Poulter and Gordon Lascelles shared much of the material drawn together by the research group in a very entertaining way.

Energetic, fluent speakers. These guys really know their stuff.

Rehearsals for the play finally got underway in April 2021, initially on Zoom or outdoors, with full rehearsals indoors from May. At last the full cast was in place – 21 adults and 10 young people (9 -18 years old, including a young man with Downs Syndrome and another on the Autistic Spectrum), some of them doubling up roles.

One of the best experiences of my life, being part of the Harleston Players, an amazing group of people, to bring to life the story of the Mayflower. Simply unforgettable!

Because the situation was still uncertain, with guidance changing frequently, it was decided to present the play outdoors, on the Recreation Ground, in July. The production was redesigned to work outdoors and tiered seating blocks were hired from Eastern Angles Theatre Company.

Meanwhile, an army of volunteer costume makers, prop and set makers was recruited. Costume coordinator, Janine Lascelles, supported by professional theatre costume-maker Ros Moreton, and volunteers sourced, repurposed, and made 40 separate period costumes. An undergraduate theatrical costume student volunteered designs and made one of the jackets.

Members of Harleston (Men’s) Shed and other volunteers helped build the set (trunks, packing cases, hangings) and main prop, a 13’ long scale-model of the Mayflower, to be carried around town in the procession and feature in the play. The model-makers spent many hours researching, designing and making the model.

The living history event was repeated in early July, with heritage animals as well as local musicians, The Windbags, and stilt-walkers in period costumes. The event culminated in a procession around town led by the Mayflower model, musicians and stilt-walkers, to the delight of some 300+ members of the public who lined the streets.

The four performances of 1620: A New World Odyssey took place on 17 and 18 July 2021, the hottest weekend of the year, in front of 327 people, a 95% capacity audience.

It told the story of the mixed group of travellers on the Mayflower, the events that lead them to make the difficult voyage, and the hardships and challenges they met in the new land. It highlighted the compromises and alliances they had to make in order to survive, and their ability to gradually come together to create a viable community, the first successful colony to be established in America. It involved light and sound effects, live music, singing and dancing.

It was wonderful. It was obvious how much research work had gone into the script. The costumes were wonderful. The actors were engaging. I thought the set was fantastic, it was great when the crates became a rowing boat. The model of the Mayflower is marvellous. The whole play was brilliant. It was a great showcase for the town, brought many people together and provided wonderful entertainment.
Trevor Graham, Chairman, Redenhall with Harleston Town Council

And the final element of the project were two special, and much appreciated, performances for residents of The Trees Care Home and Terence Airey Sheltered Housing complex in Harleston in September.