Peelers, Poachers & Paupers

Experience an Unmissable Theatrical Journey Across Ripon’s Historic Museums

As part of Ripon Theatre Festival 2025, Ripon Workhouse Theatre Group and Fell Foss Theatre join forces to present a brand-new production staged across all three of Ripon’s Museums: the Workhouse Museum, the Police and Prison Museum, and the Courthouse.
Step into the gripping true story of Elisha and John Sinkler, Yorkshire brothers born into a gamekeeping family who turned to poaching and paid the ultimate price. Follow their journey across the moors of Nidderdale, their clashes with the law, and their brutal punishment: transportation to Australia. Witness their desperate fight to return home not once, but twice.

This powerful performance also brings to light the struggles of those left behind the women who endured hardship and a fight for survival in their absence.
A tale of resistance, survival, and defiance, this immersive promenade theatre experience breathes life into the forgotten voices of 19th-century Yorkshire.
Don’t miss this extraordinary story told in extraordinary spaces.

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June
1.30-4.30pm & 5.00-8.00pm

You may also like the following events from Ripon Theatre Festival:

• Next month, 1st July, 07:30 pm, The Beloved Son in Ripon
• Next month, 1st July, 08:00 pm, Hilarity Bites Festival Special in Ripon
• Next month, 2nd July, 03:00 pm, Mangoes on the Beach in Ripon

Also check out other Arts events in Ripon, Theatre events in Ripon, Festivals in Ripon.