Greatest one I ever saw was at the Old Melbourne Gaol, where a single actor, in
the dark, with a candle, playing a warder of (I believe) 1905, gave a 90 minute
non-stop tour de force. I've seen a lot of historical character interpretation
all over the world, but I've never seen such a concentrated, effective solo
act. Kudos to Diane Gardiner for an incredible production.

At Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, most members of the staff get into costume and
do historical character interpretation. Last time I was there doing a workshop
for their staff, Michael Evans (now one of the high-priced help at the Auckland
Museum - a man of parts, is Michael!) was all dressed up, heading off as the
vicar to inspect the local school, all of whose occupants were children
spending a multi-day experience at Sovereign Hill in costume, re-enacting (you
guessed it) school children of the period (1850s). It was not his fault that he
looked just like "the Dirty Vicar" of Monty Python fame.

Watch for Stacy Roth's forthcoming magnum opus on historical character
interpretation - everything you ever wanted to know about how to plan and do
it.

Harry Needham
Canadian War Museum