The Battle of Culloden at Drumossie Moor near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands on the 16th of April 1746, was the last pitched battle fought on British soil. Our effect ‘Culloden’ is a tribute to the bravery of the Highland Clansmen who died there.
This is a great story telling effect based on historic facts and features the actual clans that fought for the Jacobite cause under ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’.
The site of the battle is very atmospheric and of course is reputed to be haunted. You show your audience a preserved sprig of heather taken from the actual battlefield* and speculate as to whether this ‘atmosphere’ has been captured by the heather.
An envelope is placed in full view and then the story of the battle and of the bravery of the clansmen is told and just as in the battle the clans (represented by laminated ‘clan’ cards), are eliminated one by one. These are free choices by your audience.
Finally, one clan has been chosen by your audience. Your guest opens the envelope and finds a certificate inside, which they read out. It states that the heather is from the site where Clan Gordon fought during the battle. Now the final clan card is turned over, and YES, it is the card for Clan Gordon.
You receive:
- Set of 15 laminated ‘clan’ cards, each with the name of one of the clans who fought at Culloden and decorated with the tartan for that actual clan.
- Envelope and certificate made from hand made paper.
- A sprig of real heather laminated on card.
- Instructions and script by Black Hart, including a short essay on the battle itself for background information.
Culloden is great for a séance type presentation, close-up or small groups. Everything can be examined afterwards. Simple to do so that you can concentrate on what matters - the presentation.
Cost: £21.00
*Please note that the heather supplied does not come from the clan graves at Culloden battlefield. This is a historic site and must be respected. The description is used for the purposes of performance only.
With thanks to Kai Abrell, who gave me the idea for an effect using tartan - The Black Hart.