Dramatis Personae

Head Interpreter: Chris Binns

Chris Binns, is a classically trained actor ( Bristol Old Vic Theatre School ) and former theatre manager. He has been in films and television as far back as the mid 1970's (starting with Arthur of the Britons and The Professionals), has travelled the country in repertory theatres and run numerous drama workshops for young people all over the U.K. He has been a Victorian and an American Civil War historian in the U.K. and U.S.A. for the last eight years. Chris's great-great grandfather Jack Binns from Lancashire (enlisted as J.H.Burns) fought in the 44 th New York at Gettysburg in 1863.Jack Binns story was the subject of our 2004 event at Quarry Bank Mill to illustrate The Cotton Famine. A keen sailor in his youth, Chris sailed the Western Isles in his father's ketch and used his sailors' skills in the production of 'Runners and Raiders' 2005.

Head of Research: John C.Overton

John has worked and taught in schools for more than 15 years in his former capacity as a police officer and training manager. A lecturer in public speaking, John has appeared on television (Schama's History of Britain) and in historical films in the U.K. and U.S. He has worked on a series about the American War of Independence for the History Channel (The Revolution) and a film based on the life of George Washington for Mount Vernon , Virginia , Washington 's ancestral home. He has appeared as George Washington for Lloyds-TSB headquarters in London . John's previous job involved researching, designing and delivering training packages.

Historical Advisor: Jim Mogan

Jim, a native of Texas , is a retired US Army major and has History Masters' Degrees from the University of Oregon , The American Military University and the US Army Command and General Staff College. A keen bugler, who knows over 150 British and American bugle calls, including 39 Hanoverian bugle calls, Jim has been an American Civil War and Revolutionary War living- historian and historical advisor for 25 years and has appeared in numerous films in the USA .

The Players

Roger Bull
A historical researcher and living historian for several years, Roger has
appeared on television in the U.K.(Schama's History of Britain) and in numerous
historical films in both the U.K. and U.S. ( 'Gods and Generals', 'The Lincoln
Assassination' The Revolution ( History Channel) and 'Antietam')as well as
working on the film of The Life of George Washington for the Mount Vernon
Visitor Centre in Virginia in 2006

Mike Crump
a retired primary schoolteacher musician and historian for over 20 years. Mike plays 19 th century instruments ranging from the mandolin and guitar to the banjo. Mike is currently researching music from the Crimean war period.

David Binns
David is 16 years old and has played Henry Stanley and a variety of Victorian waifs. A keen military drummer, he has performed at venues across the U.K