Performance: 'Hart of Plymouth'

About us

Performances at 11am-12pm and 2.30pm-3.30pm

Written & created by David Prescott
Performed by Derek Frood
The performance at 2.30pm on Sunday 1 October will be presented with British Sign Language

A show about Plymouth-born Solomon Hart, who became the first Jewish member of the Royal Academy of Arts, and a giant painting that once hung in the old Plymouth Municipal Building, and which hasn't been seen for over a hundred years……..until now.

Across the road from the Plymouth Guildhall, on what is now Royal Parade, stood its sister edifice, the Plymouth Municipal Building. This housed the Council Chamber and in it hung a huge painting, virtually four metres square in a chunky gilt frame. The painting was 'Lady Jane Grey at the Place of her Execution' by a notable painter of the time, who had gifted it to his home town.

Plymouth-born Solomon Alexander Hart (1806-1881) was a third generation immigrant, who went on to become one of the UK's best known and most influential Jewish artists of the 1800s.

Performed by Plymouth actor, Derek Frood (Poldark, Manhunt), this show celebrates a forgotten story, the city's three hundred year old Jewish community and a significant painting, which will be unrolled and condition checked at The Box from 27 September-4 October as part of a special 'Conservation in Action' event.

'Hart of Plymouth' is supported and funded by The Box, the Plymouth Synagogue and Ripple Theatre, with Research and Development funded by Arts Council England.