In Redwood Hall, a feaste will be held,

The fortieth one, the tradition unquelled,

There’s food and a show,

And you really should know

About the Madrigal Feaste, a show unparalleled

The show hails from when Elizabeth was Queen,

When Shakespeare was writing his most famous scenes.

Carols are sung,

And banners are hung,

And nothing is done that’s obscene.

Light music sets the scene in the room,

While the guests wait patiently like a groom,

Then the trumpets roar,

And opened is the door,

For the Royal Court to enter and dispel any gloom.

Only then can the night can begin

With a greeting carol to elicit a grin.

Then the Court takes a seat,

To prepare for the meat,

But first, the processions must enter within.

The wassail comes first to the hall,

A spiced ale without the alcohol

Then the head of a boar

Is brought through the door

To complete the needed protocol.

Now that tradition is settled for the night

The people can eat their first bite.

The bread’s served first,

Actors entertain you unrehearsed,

With juggling and tricks and jokes they recite.

When the meal comes to an end,

From the high table the Court will descend,

A capella they sing,

Foreign languages they bring,

For humor were these songs intend’

After the Court has sang their last,

The Jester starts his show most crass,

A fairy tale is told,

With changes most bold,

A modern twist to make funny the past.

The time for the show is done,

But don’t mistake this for an end to the fun,

Its time for the sweets,

Plum pudding to eat,

Set aflame, in the room like a sun.

As the event approaches its close,

The players receive applause for their shows.

They are dismissed, sent away,

But the guests, they will stay,

For the ending, as beautiful as a rose.

As the children are beginning to tire,

Christmas carols are sung by a choir

Then the lights are dimmed,

For their final song hymned,

Silent Night, the room lit only by candle fire.

This show is a hit through and through,

And so answer “What must I do?”

Most tickets are gone,

But don’t fret, hold on,

Wednesday has seats, so grab two!

Tickets to the Madrigal Feaste can be purchased at the AU Box Office.