Part of the fun of putting on Medieval/Renaissance garb is that feeling of being able to “blend in” with the villagers and performers around you, and getting to be part of the fun!

But while it’s perfectly fine for you to just “walk the walk”…it’s so much more fun being able to “talk the talk” as well! Those old-English accents and way of speaking you hear from the cast and performers? We call that Elizabethan English, and anyone can learn it!

Some simple phrases you can learn, as a way to respond to everyday questions you may be asked at the Faire:

Good morning.  =  Good morrow.
Good afternoon.  =  Good day.
I’ll see you later.  =  I shall see thee anon.
How are you?  =  How now?
Please…  =  Prithee or Pray…
Thank you.  =  Grammercy.
Hello, nice to see you!  =  Hail and well met!
What time is it?  =  How stands the hour?
Where are the restrooms?  =  Whither be the privies?
What is your name?  =  What be thy tide?
Please wait on me!  =  Prithee, attend me!
I’m thirsty.  =  I be parched.
Goodbye, I gotta go!  =  Fare thee well; I must away!

As part of being a member of the Company, you’ll have access to language guides and others to help you practice, as well as the opportunity to observe some of the workshops the cast goes through. And don’t worry, we don’t expect you to be performing Shakespeare with us (we have Master Shakespeare himself for that!)

Just remember: the Queen is always “Her Majesty”, any ranking Church officials are “Your Grace”, the men and ladies of the Court are “My Lord/Lady”, while merchants and villagers are the polite “Good Sir/Madam”. Always be polite!