If I Can

This winter, visitors are invited to experience the National Trust’s new commission by immersive theatre company Palimpsest. If I can embodies the dark and gothic edge of William Morris and his circle during the bittersweet inception of Red House.

Atmospheric, ghostly and unspeakably sad, If I Can is a narrative poem, fusing the poetry and prose of the Pre-Raphaelites who built and developed Red House. Prepare to encounter themes of loss and longing in the 1860s as this sensory drama is presented through an innovative new form with Palimpsest actors in character and costume.

The need for William Morris to decorate his iconic red brick house prompted him to found ‘Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co’ in 1861. ‘The firm’ spread the example of what he and architect Philip Webb had created across the world, and gave practical expression to Morris’ words which then - and now - embodied the spirit of the Arts and Crafts Movement, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

With the house bedecked for a candlelit Arts and Crafts Christmas, audiences can explore a range of tales, roaming freely throughout the enclave. From Morris’ love story with Jane Burden to Lizzie Siddal’s depression and suicide, choose the journey as the house comes to life and gives up its tales and secrets!

This winter, visitors are invited to experience the National Trust’s new commission by immersive theatre company Palimpsest. If I can embodies the dark and gothic edge of William Morris and his circle during the bittersweet inception of Red House.

Atmospheric, ghostly and unspeakably sad, If I Can is a narrative poem, fusing the poetry and prose of the Pre-Raphaelites who built and developed Red House. Prepare to encounter themes of loss and longing in the 1860s as this sensory drama is presented through an innovative new form with Palimpsest actors in character and costume.

The need for William Morris to decorate his iconic red brick house prompted him to found ‘Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co’ in 1861. ‘The firm’ spread the example of what he and architect Philip Webb had created across the world, and gave practical expression to Morris’ words which then - and now - embodied the spirit of the Arts and Crafts Movement, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

With the house bedecked for a candlelit Arts and Crafts Christmas, audiences can explore a range of tales, roaming freely throughout the enclave. From Morris’ love story with Jane Burden to Lizzie Siddal’s depression and suicide, choose the journey as the house comes to life and gives up its tales and secrets!