Power. Corruption. Plague. Fire. War - and the fall of kings. Pepys’ immortal account of ordinary life in extraordinary times, with Edward Bennett (RSC Associate, Bridgerton, SAS Rogue Heroes) and leading Baroque soprano, Grace Davidson (Max Richter’s Sleep, Tenebrae, Wolf Hall Live and film/TV, including Hamnet, Frankenstein, The Mirror and the Light), accompanied by lutenist, Daniel Murphy.

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Saturday 30th May 2026

St. Olave Church, London, EC3R 7NB
This unique and very special performance takes place under Samuel Pepys' and his wife, Elizabeth's, gaze, in the church where they both worshipped and lie buried. Pepys' inimitable words are brought to life, in Deirdre Shields' script, by Edward Bennett and woven with Grace Davidson's sublime soprano. Music flows through Pepys' writing, from the earthy Broadside Ballads of London's streets to the Baroque. In this production, music and words combine to illuminate Pepys' story with an emotional impact that has to be experienced.
 

Samuel Pepys: Edward Bennett
Elizabeth Pepys/Voice: Grace Davidson
Lute: Daniel Murphy
Adapted by: Deirdre Shields
Director: Judy Reaves