Shoemakers Holiday

arts, performing, fiction, comedy, drama · EN

Step into the vibrant world of Elizabethan London with The Shoemakers Holiday, a delightful play penned by Thomas Dekker and first brought to life in 1599 by the Admirals Men. This enchanting city comedy reveals the trials and tribulations of aristocrat Rowland Lacy, who finds himself smitten with the middle-class Rose Oateley. However, their love faces fierce opposition from both Roses father and Rowlands uncle due to their differing social standings and Rowlands reckless ways. In a bid to prove his worth, Rowland cleverly avoids military service by disguising himself as Hans, a Dutch shoemaker, and becomes an apprentice to the quirky but diligent Simon Eyre. As Rowland navigates the challenges of his new life, he strikes a lucrative business deal that transforms Eyres fortunes and elevates him to the esteemed position of Sheriff and later Lord Mayor of London. Meanwhile, the saga unfolds further as Eyres employee Ralph returns from the war to discover his wife, Jane, entangled with t