<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Knight of the Burning Pestle</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/knight-of-the-burning-pestle--7143314</link><description><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in the delightful absurdity and clever satire of The Knight of the Burning Pestle, as this podcast invites you to explore the themes of chivalry, romance, and social commentary through a rotating collection of audiobooks. Each episode showcases a new complete audiobook that echoes the playful irreverence of the original play, where the boundaries of storytelling are blurred, and the audience's expectations are hilariously subverted. Discover a vibrant tapestry of narratives that challenge the conventions of heroism and love, offering a fresh lens on the ideals that have shaped literature through the ages. This isn’t just a single tale but a series of unique explorations that celebrate the art of parody and the joy of the unexpected. With each new episode, listeners are encouraged to uncover a new book, revealing the rich diversity of voices and perspectives that continue to resonate today. Join us in this whimsical journey where laughter and insight go hand in hand.]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/7143314/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright Satire Genre</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg</url><title>Knight of the Burning Pestle</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/knight-of-the-burning-pestle--7143314</link></image><lastBuildDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:25:27 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Satire Genre</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker80@podcastlibrary.org</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Immerse yourself in the delightful absurdity and clever satire of The Knight of the Burning Pestle, as this podcast invites you to explore the themes of chivalry, romance, and social commentary through a rotating collection of audiobooks. Each episode...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in the delightful absurdity and clever satire of The Knight of the Burning Pestle, as this podcast invites you to explore the themes of chivalry, romance, and social commentary through a rotating collection of audiobooks. Each episode showcases a new complete audiobook that echoes the playful irreverence of the original play, where the boundaries of storytelling are blurred, and the audience's expectations are hilariously subverted. Discover a vibrant tapestry of narratives that challenge the conventions of heroism and love, offering a fresh lens on the ideals that have shaped literature through the ages. This isn’t just a single tale but a series of unique explorations that celebrate the art of parody and the joy of the unexpected. With each new episode, listeners are encouraged to uncover a new book, revealing the rich diversity of voices and perspectives that continue to resonate today. Join us in this whimsical journey where laughter and insight go hand in hand.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Fiction"/><itunes:category text="Fiction"><itunes:category text="Comedy Fiction"/></itunes:category><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>e12366e0-4aa2-5f81-a900-388a9db524eb</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Volpone, or, The Fox-Ben Jonson</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/volpone-or-the-fox-ben-jonson--74635587</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74635587</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:03:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74635587/volpone_or_the_fox_ben_jonson.mp3" length="95565168" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11934</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Birth of Merlin The Childe Hath Found His Father-William Rowley, William Shakespeare</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/birth-of-merlin-the-childe-hath-found-his-father-william-rowley-william-shakespeare--74602559</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74602559</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:03:39 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74602559/birth_of_merlin_the_childe_hath_found_his_father_william_rowley_william_shakespeare.mp3" length="76426515" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9544</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Orra-Joanna Baillie</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/orra-joanna-baillie--74569800</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74569800</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:03:18 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74569800/orra_joanna_baillie.mp3" length="73462236" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9174</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>One-Act Play Collection 011-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-act-play-collection-011-various--74538414</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74538414</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:09:34 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74538414/one_act_play_collection_011_various.mp3" length="181798030" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>22701</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Comical History of Don Quixote, Part 2-Thomas D'Urfey</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/comical-history-of-don-quixote-part-2-thomas-d-urfey--74506890</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74506890</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:08:57 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74506890/comical_history_of_don_quixote_part_2_thomas_d_urfey.mp3" length="105539114" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>13179</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Antony and Cleopatra-William Shakespeare</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/antony-and-cleopatra-william-shakespeare--74468746</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74468746</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:08:05 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74468746/antony_and_cleopatra_william_shakespeare.mp3" length="88341013" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11031</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Author's Farce-Henry Fielding</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/author-s-farce-henry-fielding--74435620</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74435620</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:08:58 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74435620/author_s_farce_henry_fielding.mp3" length="67036985" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>8371</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Old Bachelor-William Congreve</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/old-bachelor-william-congreve--74395374</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74395374</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:50:03 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74395374/old_bachelor_william_congreve.mp3" length="88220273" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11016</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Mind The Paint Girl-Arthur Wing Pinero</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mind-the-paint-girl-arthur-wing-pinero--74351797</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74351797</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 01:36:12 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74351797/mind_the_paint_girl_arthur_wing_pinero.mp3" length="125382950" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>15657</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Law Against Lovers-William Davenant</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/law-against-lovers-william-davenant--74212441</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74212441</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:09:13 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74212441/law_against_lovers_william_davenant.mp3" length="66848154" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>8348</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Caliban by the Yellow Sands-Percy MacKaye</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/caliban-by-the-yellow-sands-percy-mackaye--74165848</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74165848</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:09:36 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74165848/caliban_by_the_yellow_sands_percy_mackaye.mp3" length="84954953" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>10609</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Lying Lover or, The Ladies' Friendship-Richard Steele</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/lying-lover-or-the-ladies-friendship-richard-steele--74120682</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74120682</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:31:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74120682/lying_lover_or_the_ladies_friendship_richard_steele.mp3" length="78752230" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9834</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>One-Act Play Collection 015-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-act-play-collection-015-various--73400463</link><description><![CDATA[One-Act Play Collection 015-Various brings together a selection of engaging one-act plays, showcasing the diverse talents of various playwrights. This collection is a treasure trove for theater enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, offering a unique glimpse into the art of concise storytelling through drama. The themes explored within these plays, such as love, conflict, and the human experience, resonate deeply with audiences today, reminding us of the timeless nature of our struggles and triumphs. Each piece invites reflection on our own lives and relationships, making this collection a compelling listen for anyone seeking to connect with the essence of theater.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73400463</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:02:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73400463/one_act_play_collection_015_various.mp3" length="184081051" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>One-Act Play Collection 015-Various brings together a selection of engaging one-act plays, showcasing the diverse talents of various playwrights. This collection is a treasure trove for theater enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, offering a unique...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[One-Act Play Collection 015-Various brings together a selection of engaging one-act plays, showcasing the diverse talents of various playwrights. This collection is a treasure trove for theater enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, offering a unique glimpse into the art of concise storytelling through drama. The themes explored within these plays, such as love, conflict, and the human experience, resonate deeply with audiences today, reminding us of the timeless nature of our struggles and triumphs. Each piece invites reflection on our own lives and relationships, making this collection a compelling listen for anyone seeking to connect with the essence of theater.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>22986</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Knight of the Burning Pestle - Francis Beaumont John Fletcher</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/knight-of-the-burning-pestle-francis-beaumont-john-fletcher--72759931</link><description><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72759931</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:48:31 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72759931/knight_of_the_burning_pestle_francis_beaumont_john_fletcher.mp3" length="76349272" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/73ff14e6-9381-4252-a979-d9e5ecf66558/73ff14e6-9381-4252-a979-d9e5ecf66558.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/73ff14e6-9381-4252-a979-d9e5ecf66558/73ff14e6-9381-4252-a979-d9e5ecf66558.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/73ff14e6-9381-4252-a979-d9e5ecf66558/73ff14e6-9381-4252-a979-d9e5ecf66558.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Knight of the Burning Pestle is a play in five acts, first performed in 1607. It is the first whole parody (or pastiche) play in English. The play is a satire on chivalric romances in general, similar to Don Quixote. It breaks the fourth wall from its outset. As a play called "The London Merchant" is about to be performed, a Citizen and his Wife "in the audience" interrupt and demand that the players put on a play of their own choosing and suggest that their apprentice, Rafe, should have a part in the play as a knight errant. He refers to himself as the "Grocer Errant" and has a burning pestle on his shield as a heraldic device. This meta-fictional plot is intercut with the main plot of the interrupted play, where Jasper Merrythought, the merchant's apprentice, is in love with his master's daughter, Luce, and must elope with her to save her from the arranged marriage with Humphrey, a "swell" or City man of fashion. Meanwhile Jasper's mother has decided to leave her husband Old Merrythought, who, in an apparent mid-life crisis, has spent all his savings in drinking and partying. Summary by Wikipedia and Rob BoardCast Narrator: Kristin Gjerløw Citizen: Phil Birss Wife: Jo Vickers Rafe / Michael: Rob Board Boy: ScarlettG Venturewell: John Burlinson Luce: Charlotte Duckett Humphrey: Hamlet Merrythought: ToddHW Mistress Merrythought: Sonia Jasper: davidpr Tim: Dillon McFarlane George: Michele Eaton Speaker of Prologue / William Hammerton: alanmapstone Tapster / 2nd Soldier: Leanne Yau Host: Anna Simon Man / 2nd Man / 3rd Man: TomDavisBeal Barber / Sergeant: Joseph Tabler Woman / 1st Soldier: MaryAnn Pompiona: Newgatenovelist Servant: Georgina Shaw George Greengoose: David Purdy Edited by: Rob Board]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9544</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>beaumont,burning,fletcher,jasper,knight,luce,merrythought,pestle,play,satire</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/24484244e93a4d4f6ae9ebdb5322528a.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
