Gunter
Gunter by Lydia Higman, published by Nick Hern Books, Limited on May 20, 2025, is an 80-page play that delves into a gripping narrative set in 1604, in a small village outside Oxford. The story unfolds after two boys are murdered by the local brute, Brian Gunter, during a football match, prompting their mother to seek justice. However, Gunter’s wealth and influence complicate matters, leading to a fierce feud that escalates when his daughter, Anne, begins to exhibit strange afflictions, resulting in allegations of witchcraft.
Readers will find a theatrical exploration of themes such as deception and the societal dynamics of power, as the narrative intertwines elements of drama and medieval intrigue. The play, co-created by Higman along with Julia Grogan and Rachel Lemon, presents a vivid portrayal of the tensions within the village, highlighting the impact of public perception and personal vendettas. With its roots in true events, Gunter offers a compelling look at the intersection of justice and superstition in a historical context.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘Stories from the past just simply don’t get told unless someone bothers doing it. And I really believe this story needs to be told.’
1604. A small village outside Oxford. Two boys have been murdered by local brute Brian Gunter at a football match and their mum wants justice. But Brian is also the richest and most powerful man in the village, and has an ego too fragile to tolerate public slander…
A nasty feud begins, and when Brian’s daughter Anne starts demonstrating strange afflictions, an allegation is made: she has been bewitched.
Impassioned and highly theatrical, Dirty Hare’s award-winning production of Gunter, co-created by Lydia Higman, Julia Grogan and Rachel Lemon, tells a true story of deception, witchcraft and football.
The play premiered at Summerhall at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023, where it was awarded a Scotsman Fringe First Award, Pick of the Fringe from both Playbill and Lyn Gardner, whilst Dirty Hare were named one of The Stage’s Fringe Five list of breakout theatremakers. It transferred to the Royal Court Theatre, London, in 2024.
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