Introduction

Welcome to Deeds of Arms (Deeds). ‘Deeds’ successfully fills a niche untouched by other similar drama societies, living history groups or dramatic combat organisations.

Based in Fareham, Hants the group meets once a week to train in stage combat or other dramatic arts to always build upon our shows and versatility.

What do you do?

‘Deeds’ is a society of historical players and entertainers specialising three areas. Much of our work is carried out at historic locations throughout the UK and occasionally in Europe. There are three components to the group that facilitate this entertainment, these are:

Deeds of Arms: 150

Deeds of Arms: 1360

Deeds of Arms: Stage Combat

We have held demonstrations in countries including, the UK, Italy (Rome), Holland, France & Germany. As well as over 30 European sites which include Archeon, Portsmouth Historic Dockyards, Kalkriese, The Royal Armouries, The British Museum, Bavay & Dover Castle. We have supplied consultancy, equipment, members, fighters and fight choreographers for many projects including The History Channel, numerous theatre productions, Sky TV, BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Tiger Aspect, Shine & multiple book publishers.

We train each week in general skills in beginner and advanced sessions on Thursday evenings. Closer to a specific event we will train explicitly towards that show rehearsing required elements for a number of weeks prior to the main event; those not involved in the specific event continue to train as normal.

Although predominantly filled with stage combatants, the group has some members with additional skills in fight choreography, leather work, jewellery making, blacksmithing, armouring, fletching and presentations. No matter what your skills or previous experience there are plenty of roles available for everyone.

Why three sections to the group?

90% of our membership carry out work in all three disciplines within the society (150, 1360 or SC). However, there is no pressure to do this and people are welcome to be involved with as much or as little of each component as they wish.

The three sections were designed to enable us to bring specific skills to each of them. Although there are some transferable skills from one section to another, there are also as many specific skills required for each.

Our training and choreography methods allow us to introduce many of the lethal looking techniques of our historical counterparts without fear of actually maiming or killing one another; in a good many other disciplines this is made all but impossible due to the ‘free form’ nature of their demonstrations. The three sections of our society allow us to concentrate on the historical techniques, society and costumes of each stated period rather than attempting to be all things to all people. This enables us to create museum quality shows for the public and venues.

The third section, Stage Combat, allows us to spread our creative wings and carry out events in a more entertainment based environment rather than work under the strictures and pressures brought about through some of the historical demands of the other two.

Bringing the three groups together enables us to have a varied and enjoyable group for all involved from the members to the customers through to the public as we draw on skills from each discipline to fulfil the customer’s requirement.

Deeds: 150

Deeds 150 specialises in the demonstration of the Gladiatorial games and its surrounding culture from the 2nd Century of Ancient Rome's often colourful history. This is achieved through living history, vignette, gladiatorial games, audience participation and entertainment.

Our displays have taken us all over Europe; as well as the UK to France, Germany, Holland, Italy and Spain. We have been fortunate enough to display in front of crowds tens of thousands strong as well as the more intimate events of a few dozen and have enjoyed them all as have the public.

Deeds: 1360

This project is underway, ready for a full announcement in 2009. It will recreate the competition fighting world of the 1360’s in Northern Europe.

Deeds: Stage Combat (SC)

In Deeds: Stage Combat we create necessary costume and learn relevant information to create an entertaining event for the customer.

Our extensive production list in this environment includes; Indiana Jones, James Bond, Pirates, 19th Century sailors, 17th century lords, ladies, chancers and villains, Halloween nasties, Prize Fighters and Marauding Vikings and Saxons. Many of the members are active in the local theatre scene and have been fortunate enough to be involved in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld adapations for theatre and well as other locally written productions.

What do I need to do?

Depending upon where you are in the year the simplest thing to do is either to come to training and join in or if the middle of the active season, normally June – September it’s probably simplest to come to an event and watch what we do or better still get involved as there are literally dozens of things that can be done with little or no experience and a willingness to get involved.

Will it cost me anything?

We are aware that all hobbies carry some form of cost. However we have made attempts to keep these costs to a minimum in the earliest stages as you decide whether or not the hobby is one you would like to be involved with.

Earliest costs

Initially training is free for the first month as you get a feel for what we do. Subsequently members pay £1 and non members pay £5 per training session. This cost enables us to ensure that we can replace training equipment regularly. The additional monies for non members are an insurance cover.

Annual Membership costs.

We charge £15 for individual membership or £20 for a family. These costs ensure that you are insured under our society’s £5 million public liability cover and also allows you to take advantage of other benefits such as fuel assistance for events and subsidised social events. If you decide to join the society after the last day of June you will only pay 50% of the annual membership costs

Ongoing Costs

In addition to the above costs you may decide to buy extra equipment to supplement the basics the society can offer. We have several discount options available with some UK vendors and can offer expert advice not only on what equipment to purchase but also on where to find the best offers.

Is it dangerous?

Any physical activity will carry with it some element of danger. We attempt to mitigate against the dangers involved with stage combat through systematic training techniques and separate health and safety stewards at each event and training. Finally we emphasise with all members, if they do not feel safe of competent to carry out something safely they will be placed under no pressure from anyone else to complete the task. We recommend that all members consider taking out a personal accident insurance, particularly if self employed in the unlikely event that something should happen.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. Any children under 16 will not be allowed to train or participate in events without a responsible parent or guardian in attendance at all times. Anyone under 18 can participate in training and events but will not be allowed to do so directly or through the actions of others if there are metal weapons being used in the event; unless there is a responsible parent or guardian in attendance. Shows held abroad are for over 18’s only unless they are accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian.

Can I bring or use my own equipment?

Any equipment can be considered for any of the events or training we participate in. However, we ask that the equipment should be passed fit for purpose by the relevant stewards. As a minimum this will always include a safety check from one of the safety stewards and a further check by a steward responsible for the section (150, 1360 or Stage Combat) that you would like to use the equipment in.

What Next?

The best thing to do is to browse the website and contact us through the details given there or below to arrange a time to get involved either in training or a specific show when appropriate.