Edward’s Boys, from King Edward VI School in Stratford-upon-Avon, have developed a stellar reputation over recent years for their revivals of previously-neglected Early Modern dramas written specifically for boys’ companies.
The prologue introduces neither “comedy nor tragedy; ‘tis perfectly neither” but it certainly entertains. An outrageous city comedy and sharp satire, The Woman Hater was first (and last) performed by 'Paul’s Boys' in 1606. Beaumont’s first play is now revived by Edward’s Boys, the renowned boys’ company from Shakespeare’s School. Previous successes include The Lady’s Trial and Galatea at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and Henry V at the Swan Theatre.
Edward's Boys have received academic attention and popular success as a result of their work exploring the repertoire of the boys’ companies from the early modern period. In the words of Dr Emma Smith (University of Oxford), the Edward’s Boys’ project, ‘is the most sustained attempt to re-imagine what we think boy companies could do - and it will really re-write the academic theatre history books.’
There is an archive of all their performances available on DVD, and their website address is www.edwardsboys.org