The Romans had more than a great army – they had great plays too. One of those is Plautus’ comedy The Braggart Soldier, about a truly obnoxious man who believes he is God’s gift to the army and that all women fall madly in love with him. Neither of those is true, and he kidnaps people, so his captives come up with a plot to escape – and to teach him a lesson he won’t easily forget. The Braggart Soldier was composed in Rome back before the Roman empire existed and has been making audiences laugh for more than two thousand years.
This workshop will culminate at 4 pm in a fully costumed performance of a shortened version of the Braggart Soldier (15-20 minutes long), in which all workshop participants will have parts. Family and friends are encouraged to come watch; admission is free. In preparation for that performance, you will learn the basics of drama and performance in a fun, relaxed way; explore the Romans and their stories; immerse yourself in the play and its characters; and rehearse individually or in small groups, coached by experts in ancient drama. All props and costumes will be provided, and no memorisation is needed as scripts can be carried in the performance.
Tickets £45, or £80 if combined with the comedy workshop. The workshop runs from 10 am to 4.30, with drop-off possible from 9 am and collection until 5 pm).
This workshop is designed for ages 8-16, but older and younger participants may be welcomed on a case-by-case basis. All participants must have good reading skills and be able to concentrate on the collective goal of a successful performance.
The workshop will be held in and around the reconstructed Roman villa at Butser Ancient Farm, admission to which is included in the workshop fee. There will be a lunch break and two snack breaks, for which you should bring their own food and beverages. If the weather is good, you can picnic in the villa garden; if it rains, in the villa itself.
The Roman villa and garden at Butser Ancient Farm.
The workshop will be led by Jacinta Hunter, who has worked extensively in theatre and performing arts since 2015 and in children’s education since 2017. Jacinta has recently completed a degree in Classical Studies at the University of Reading, where she joined the Ancient Schoolroom team. It is with great delight that she is now able to combine all her loves in bringing this Roman drama workshop to Butser Ancient Farm. She is excited to share her passion for theatre and classics with a new generation of actors and historians!
Workshop leader - Jacinta Hunter
This workshop is offered in partnership with the Reading Ancient Schoolroom, an educational charity started at the University of Reading in 2014 with the aim of bringing Roman schools to life and sharing them with today’s children. The Ancient Schoolroom will be in residence at Butser’s Roman villa from 19-25 August 2026, offering a range of workshops and drop-in activities. Members of the ancient schoolroom team, including Professor Eleanor Dickey and students and alumni of the University of Reading, will assist Jacinta.
If you have any mobility concerns, special requirements, or other practical questions, please contact admin@butserancientfarm.co.uk. For questions about workshop content or participants outside the expected age range, please contact the Reading Ancient Schoolroom at E.Dickey@reading.ac.uk.