Eugene Aram

NIDDERDALE HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE ON STAGE! Eugene Aram (1704 - 1759) was born in Ramsgill, became a self-taught scholar of some note and set up a school in Knaresborough. However, he was accused of the murder of a Knaresborough shoemaker, and was eventually tried in York, convicted of the crime, and hanged at Tyburn on the Knavesmire.

The story of his life and trial is being brought to the stage by Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society; the play itself has been written – after extensive research - by well-known Nidderdale writer Nevin Ward, whose previous local history plays The Dam Play and Gouthwaite Hall were hugely popular.

Nevin is well-known for the music he incorporates into his works, and Eugene Aram is no exception. It will include a variety of songs, many of them specially-written for this work.

The play will be staged in St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge from 11th - 15th October. Nevin said: “St Cuthbert’s is the ideal location - the raised central dais in the church lends itself to a large cast play where 20 actors play over 40 characters”.