Last week, in Winchelsea on Friday and Saturday October 24 and 25, the Winchelsea lower court hall and once the town gaol was transformed into an atmospheric setting for Tales from the Court Hall. Performances were held over two evenings, both playing to a sell-out audience from far and wide.
The evening centred around several true tales and real characters who have lived in Winchelsea over a 200-year period and for different reasons found themselves ‘guests’ of the Court Hall.
Following extensive research these were “but voices from the past” providing some amusing, some chilling, some outrageous and some very sad tales.
The tales were performed by Mike Stoneham and Celia King, with research by Debbie and
Peter Cosstick (who also acted as host).The audience loved it and applauded loudly, and these very successful evenings raised £900 for Winchelsea Corporation to assist in supporting various restoration and renovation projects.
Peter commented after the weekend: “Many years ago during my childhood I was a big fan of Tales from the Crypt and this inspired me to develop and produce Tales from the Court Hall. Debbie and I spent a great deal of time researching and then writing the tales which we found fascinating. Both Mike and Celia did a brilliant job in making these characters come to life and delighting the audience. We could not have asked for more.”
He continued: “A huge thank you to Debbie, Celia and Mike, Martin Lew Gor (special effects and bar), Stephen King, Jerry Moss (bar), Richard Plumb (poster and ticket design) and all those who supported and attended this event. As several people missed the event, we are looking to bring the Tales back to Winchelsea Court Hall for one night only in January 2026.
“To help gauge possible interest leading to the return of this popular event, it would be helpful if you could drop me a short note stating if you would be interested in attending, please email me at peterrcosstick@btinternet.com.
“A date will be announced in early December, so watch this space. All our very best wishes Peter and Debbie.”
Everyone who came said that they learnt so much in such an entertaining way.
This short video gives you a tiny taster as we don’t want any spoilers for the audiences of the future.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Jerry Moss , John Josiah .