Court Jester
Entertain the royal court with songs, juggling and jokes, and tell the king the truth, as long as it's funny. Bells provided. Material is your own.
c. 1100 – 1700About the role
For six centuries, many royal courts kept a fool. Jesters juggled, sang, told stories and made fun of everyone, including, carefully, the king. Because it was a joke, they could say what nobody else dared, and the best of them became trusted advisers.
In the Great Hall of Château Vaury, you'll perform at the evening banquet for a king played by a member who has been in the role for years. You'll warm up the room, introduce the courses and, once a night, tell him something true. He will laugh. Probably.
What you'll do
- Perform a set at every banquet: songs, juggling and jokes about the guests.
- Mock the king's rivals, and then the king, in that order.
- Break bad news to the king in verse.
- Keep the mood up when the soup is late.
- Retire to the kitchens when the king stops laughing.
What we're looking for
- Juggling, music, verse or physical comedy. Two of the four.
- Quick wit and a quicker exit.
- A thick skin and a soft landing.
- Comfort in tights.
Perks
- A cap and bellsThree points, three bells. Audible at all times, which is the point.
- Leftovers from the high tableThe good food, once the king has finished.
- Freedom of speechWithin the hall, during dinner, if it gets a laugh.
