Rhiannon was powerful. She was passionate and smart, and rode a white horse with magical powers – she may even have been a Goddess. That is, until she failed to produce an heir, and her reputation was destroyed by women plotting against her. Does it have to be this way?

Jackie Singer takes Rhiannon’s story out of its well-preserved Welsh Medieval manuscript in the Bodleian Library, and wrestles with it. Jackie’s stories of her girlhood fascination with horses and developing relationships with the opposite sex are interlocked with chapters of Rhiannon’s life, until the narratives collide in a need to rescue both modern woman and ancient goddess from the forces that bridle them.

Jackie Singer is an accomplished storyteller, at home with her material, and involving the audience from the start. There is an improvisational element to all true storytelling, thus this show will never be the same twice. It also brings in Jackie’s music – original songs accompanied by mandola, and her hypnotic drumming. Jackie has produced storytelling shows with Liz Rothschild, Adele Moss and others, and collaborated for many years as a musician with the folk band Kismet. Rhiannon Unbridled is her first solo show. It premiered at Offbeat Festival, and won ACE funding for a tour to 11 community venues across England, together with a diverse programme of workshops in collaboration with talented local arts practitioners.

Matilda Leyser, Associate Director with award-winning Improbable Theatre, brings to the show a quality of fearless delving into the inner world, as well as a deep understanding of movement and staging.

“A fantastic tapestry of sound, vision and emotion” – Daily Info (Offbeat Festival, Oxford).

“Singer’s skill and passion shine; Rhiannon is redeemed.” – Laurie Bailey (BBC Oxford)

Written and performed by Jackie Singer
Directed by Matilda Leyser
Puppetry advice from Stephen Mottram
Stage Manager Grace Willow
Producer Rose Akroyd