Blood and Stone

Bess of Hardwick and Arbella, WWII soldiers, fine dances, lords and ladies, and the ordinary people who built and lived near to the great buildings on the Hardwick Estate. All had their story told in Blood and Stone.

Stories inspired by the real history of the people who lived near and who built Hardwick Hall were researched by students from Heritage Community School. These ideas were developed in a series of workshops with writer Paul Whitfield. The finished script was then given to Music Technology students at Meadows Community School who wrote and recorded music for the play. Students from years 9, 10, 11 and 12 at Newbold Community School then rehearsed the play and performed it in the grounds of the Old Hall at Hardwick.

This was an enriching collaborative experience for all involved.

This is the only project for which we have received Arts Council funding. We are grateful too for the support and assistance of staff and volunteers at The National Trust. Particularly Denise Dixon and Joanne Rawson.

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