Birth of Merlin: The Childe Hath Found His Father

Merlin. King Arthur. War betwixt British and Saxons. Uther Pendragon. Collapsing castle foundations, Magicians and spirits, and fighting dragons and a blazing comet. Good entertaining stuff.

But is it Shakespeare?

The 1662 first printed edition of this play says it was written by William Shakespeare and William Rowley. It doesn't appear that anyone any longer believes that Shakespeare was actually involved, and probably this is entirely Rowley - who co-authored plays with a fair number of other authors of the period. Rowley also acted in London troupes, including Shakespeare's The King's Players, often in low comedy Clown parts he wrote for himself such as is found in this play.
- Summary by ToddHW


Cast list:

Aurelius, King of Brittain: Mike Manolakes

Vortiger, King of (Welsh) Brittain: Craig Franklin

Uter Pendragon, the Prince, Brother to Aurelius: JBerkhouse

Donobert, a Nobleman, and Father to Constantia and Modesta: VocalPenguin

The Earl of Gloster, and Father to Edwyn: Algy Pug

Edoll, Earl of Chester and General to King Aurelius: Hamlet

Cador, Earl of Cornwal, and Suitor to Constantia: Quin Herron

Edwyn, Son to the Earl of Gloster, and Suitor to Modesta: Tomas Peter

Toclio, Nobleman: Adrian Stephens

Oswald, Nobleman: Andrew Gaunce

Merlin the Prophet: Alan Mapstone

Anselme the Hermit, after Bishop of Winchester: Jim Locke

Clown: ToddHW

Sir Nichodemus Nothing, a Courtier: Greg Giordano

The Devil, father of Merlin: Phil Schempf

Ostorius, the Saxon General: CassiopeiaSparks

Octa, a Saxon Nobleman: Tchaikovsky

Proximus, a Saxon Magician: Scott McKinley

Bishop: Derek Trial

Saxon Lord 1: Grace Buchanan

Saxon Lord 2: Alan Mapstone

Edols Captain : Derek Trial

Gentleman 1: Wayne Cooke

Gentleman 2: Seaquill

A little Antick Spirit: Devorah Allen

Artesia, Sister to Ostorius the Saxon General: Jenn Broda

Constantia, daughter to Donobert: Lydia

Modesta, daughter to Donobert: Linda Olsen Fitak

Jone Goe-too't, Mother of Merlin: Sonia

A Waiting-woman to Artesia: Joanna Michal Hoyt

Lucina, Queen of the Shades: Availle

Armel: Sandra Schmit

Plesgeth: Grace Buchanan

Messenger: Grace Buchanan

Stage Directions: David Purdy

Editing: ToddHW