---

Riddlestick Theatre present a new musical comedy telling tales of folk intrigue, ‘wyrd’ happenings and inebriated villagers.

It’s been raining all summer. But that’s not going to stop the residents of Hopley Drew gathering in The Barleycorn Inn for their annual village show and one final knees up before the pub closes its doors for good. As the villagers show off their soggy crops, share songs and tales of local lore, and wait with baited breath for the results of the raffle, a wild storm rages. Some say it’s just typical British weather, but others say it’s something much more sinister… Can this drenched and disenchanted community band together to overcome whatever lurks outside?

A new musical comedy inspired by English lore, folk horror, and ‘wyrd’ 1970s telly featuring traditional and original music and dance.

“A hilarious mash-up of folk song, dance and storytelling, drawing on traditional forms like the Morris Dance and Mummers plays but pumping it with ‘Wicker Man’ noire to present a story that touches on the existential threats of climate change and development, while celebrating the heartbeat of a local community . . . Barleycorn ticks all the boxes for those who enjoy their entertainment with a ‘hand-made’ approach to theatre making. With this enjoyable show Riddlestick will blow away any cobwebs you have in your head.”
★★★★ Simon Bishop, Stagetalk Magazine (full review)

“A rustic and delightfully silly musical comedy . . . With an adroitly conceived stew of song, dance, audience participation and storytelling, this latest production from Bristol based group Riddlestick Theatre delivers a show that brims with entertainment and outright silliness . . . it also does a fine job in effectively evoking a certain kind of rural Britishness – one can almost smell the hay, the countryside and cider. Barleycorn is a highly enjoyable slice of pastoral charm.”
★★★★ Scott Hammond, The Fix Magazine (full review)

Photos taken by Jake McKeown and Sam Patching at The Wardrobe Theatre, August 2025

Performances:
20th-21st September 2024, The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol (Work-in-Progress)
18th-19th July 2025, Ventnor Fringe Festival, Isle of Wight
2nd August 2025, Backyard Theatre, Watchet
5th-9th August 2025, The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol

2026 tour dates to be confirmed!

Credits
Kate Stokes: Lead Writer, Performer & Musician
Thomas Manson: Co-Writer, Composer, Performer & Musician
Sophie Jackson: Co-Composer & Musician
Alison Cowling: Performer & Musician
Ashley Scott: Performer
George Meredith: Performer
Edward Bourne: Performer (WIP 2024
Danny Connaire: Lighting Designer (WIP 2024)