Show Formats

The Paladins of Chivalry can offer a wide and varied range of show formats. Events at which we have recently performed range from school fetes and borough council events, through to English Heritage showcase displays.

Our standard format is three twenty minute shows per day, which would usually include a Dance show, an 'Arming-a-knight' display, and a Tourney, culminating in a Grand Melee.

If what you are seeking is not described below, contact us, we are versatile and able to adjust to your needs.

Static Display

We can supply equipment and clothing for either dressing a mannequin, or we can supply performers in armour or authentic clothing to add flavour to your event or function. Read more about static displays.

Dance performance

For those wanting flavour without the violence, we can provide members in authentic costumes to perform, and teach medieval dance. Dance shows usually last for about twenty minutes, during which time five or six dances can be performed. We include both courtly dances, performed exclusively by the nobility, and peasant dances, which involve most members. We also encourage audience participation! Read more about a Paladin's dance show.

Arming the Knight

This show would ideally precede the Tourney, and can sometimes link directly into it. It consists of a number of different fighters, i.e. men at arms, mercenaries, archers, and knights. During the show the fighters are gradually armed, piece-by-piece, with the armour and weapons being described and explained by the narrator. There is normally a short weapons demonstration at the end of this show. Read more about the Arming a knight show

Small Tourney

This format can range from a pair of knights for a single combat, or many combatants without an encampment. The small tourney format assumes that the performers require no setup or equipment other than that which they wear.

Large Tourney

This is where we excel. Normally commissioned for an entire day, the large tourney format includes a complete 14th century encampment, tentage, tables, Ladies of the court, and retainers. Commonly referred to as a Living History display. This allows the public, or your clients, to wander through the encampment to observe and discuss aspects of the medieval noble classes at play.

Options

Due to the remarkable range of skills and resources within the Paladins, we can also offer a number of different displays, for instance: archery, cookery displays, talks on costume or heraldry and many more. Shows can also be shortened or extended; anything from 15 minutes to over an hour would be possible, although longer shows would have to be discussed in advance.

As previously stated, we are able to tailor our shows to meet the needs of a client; please feel free to contact us if you would like any more information, and we will do our best to accommodate you!

During the combat shows the Paladins' prime focus is on safety. Our insurance regulations are stringent, and include the need for a double-roped safety barrier around our arena (again, this can be discussed with the Display Co-Ordinator). A safety warning is given at the beginning of the shows, which are then halted if there are any infringements.