Jeremy Secker’s modern English adaptation, Telling Canterbury Tales is based on four of Geoffrey Chaucer’s classic tales.

Taunton Thespians are telling tales this summer – not any old tales, but four of Chaucer’s best: the Wife of Bath’s Tale, the Miller’s Tale, the Reeve’s Tale and the Nun’s Priest’s Tale. Spicy, saucy and colourful, these tales stand the test of time and have been jauntily translated into modern rhyming couplets in such a way that they are instantly understood and enjoyed.

Taunton Thespians will be touring the region from 11 to 22 July. For full details of other venues please go to: wwwtauntonthespians.org.uk. Tickets are valid for any performance during the tour.

Please note this is an open-air production and we recommend you bring a chair or cushion to sit on and a warm coat! Doors open from 6.00 pm – bring a picnic and your own choice of drinks. The production is suitable for 12 year olds upwards.

Performed by The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines and Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir.

If you haven’t seen the Band of HM Royal Marines, you are in for a treat! With the amazing precision of the Corps of Drums and a host of well-known tunes from traditional classics to songs from the musicals and popular chart hits, you will find it hard to stay in your seat! The band will be joined for the evening by the fantastic 50-strong Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir. Such an inspirational collaboration is bound to raise the roof!

Proceeds from this event will go to support the charity GO COMMANDO in their mission to open a new children’s nursery in Norton Fitzwarren for local children as well as Royal Marines' families.

Professional writer, journalist and stand-up comedian, Dave Smith, comes to Queen’s for the first time to lead a Creative Writing Master Class with a difference.  Students will turn their hands to a range of work from travel writing and journalism to performance literature and script writing before working on a comedy monologue which will be performed at the end of the week.

“Stimulating, perceptive, witty and fun … a wonderful insight into the world of writing”

Mon 24 – Fri 28 July

9.30am – 3.30pm, 7 – 12 years

A hands-on course focusing on the art of the theatre technician including stage lighting, sound, filming and editing. Students will learn all aspects of theatre craft before running the lighting and sound for a live performance and film show at the end of the course.

Wed 26 – Fri 28 July

9.30am – 3.30pm, 7 – 12 years

This packed week is a must for any budding scientist!

From building interactive robots to explosive rockets, digesting food in a test tube to using chemicals for investigations, and extracting DNA to dissecting a heart, students will be hands-on in the laboratory performing the experiments!

Mon 31 July – Fri 4 August

9.30am – 3.30pm, 9 – 13 years

A First-Aid and Cookery course with a difference!

Students will not only learn what to do in a medical emergency but also the theory behind some of the conditions which can cause these emergencies such as heart disease, anaphylaxis and diabetes. They will then turn their attention to preventative health care by learning how to cook a range of healthy meals and treats. Informative yet fun, this hands-on Master Class will culminate in a Big Bake Day of cupcake cooking and decorating, incorporating everything they have learned during the week!

Mon 7 – Fri 11 August

9.30am – 3.30pm, 7 – 12 years

Former Somerset and England A cricketer, Mark Davis, returns to lead two one-day cricket camps. Suitable for all abilities, Mark will focus on skill training in the art of batting, bowling and fielding with a mixture of fun and games.  

A must for all keen and aspiring young players!

Fri 11 and Thur 17 August

9.30am – 3.30pm, 7 – 9 years

Taking Flight - Drawing, painting and printing landscape and birds in flight

Acclaimed artist, Sara Dudman RWA, leads this inspiring Art course focusing on the explosive energy of birds in flight and the patterns and shapes these wonderful creatures create as they wheel and whirl in the sky.

Have you ever been given a set of new paints and, although you’re excited, you’re not quite sure how to use them properly or how to use the different types of brushes? This course is designed to teach you how to paint with acrylics, understand how colours and marks can be expressive as well as making an image. By the end of the course, you will have created your own canvas painting, a series of outdoor paint sketches and a group 3D collaborative print. You will be more confident to paint, understanding better how to mix, apply and layer paint and use different types of brushes and tools for different purposes.

Mon 14 – Fri 18 August

9.30am – 3.30pm, 7 – 12 years

Back by popular demand for a third year!

This action-packed week, led by Mark Neenan and his team, rounds off the holiday superbly. With canoeing, rock climbing, orienteering, tunnelling and so much more, this is the ideal course for those with plenty of energy and the perfect introduction to the many co-curricular activities on offer at Queen’s.

Mon 21 – Fri 25 August

9.00am – 3.30pm, 7 – 12 years

Featuring the ABER VALLEY WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR

Rupert Moon (24 Welsh caps) comes to Queen’s for a lively evening of rugby anecdotes and banter supported by the stunning Welsh voices of the Aber Valley Choir. Founded almost 60 years ago, this purely amateur choir likes nothing better than performing in charity concerts and has helped raise over £1m from concerts performed all over the world. We are delighted to welcome them for what promises to be an evening to remember!

All profits will go to Queen’s Foundation and the injured rugby players foundations of the WRU and RFU.

Please note: Start time 7.00pm