Disguising at Hertford

Disguising at Hertford by John Lydgate leaps from the medieval page as a witty, verse-packed comedy that stages a country masquerade at the king’s Christmas court. Written around 1427 and first performed at Hertford Castle, Lydgate’s play frames a mock supplication — a "bille" — from rustic complainants whose boisterous grievances about their wives are met with sly, clever replies, role-playing, and social satire. Part comedy, part social commentary, the play explores themes of gender, class, and disguise within the performative rituals of late medieval England. Lydgate’s lively verse and stage directions capture the pageantry of Yuletide entertainment while skewering both rural manners and courtly pretensions. This edition has been sensitively modernized for contemporary listeners: archaic characters and punctuation have been updated and two manuscript gaps supplied from later copies so the drama reads smoothly without losing its original flavor. Perfect for fans of medieval literature, historical drama, and early English plays, this audiobook offers an enjoyable introduction to Lydgate’s theatrical craft and the festive world of 15th-century performance. Listen for sharp comedy, spirited speeches, and a rare glimpse into England’s vibrant Christmas pageantry.