Events Insider REVIEW: Revels Presents Immersive Musical Theatrical Experience SECRET BYRD at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Boston – 4.5 Stars

By Matt Marino. Updated November 1, 2024.

Ask your average person what they know about the English Renaissance, and they will probably answer that they ate turkey legs and jousted a lot.  For serious history scholars, they will tell tales of the Bard of Avalon, Shakespeare.  The Virgin Queen Elizabeth had her long reign on the throne.  The English Navy defeated the Spanish Armada.  The colonies were first settled in the New World.

What may not be as well-known is the persecution of Catholics in England under the Anglican Church at this time.  Set to the music of English composer William Byrd, we witness the recreation of historical events.  Byrd was a Catholic writing secret masses to be sung by fellows during the English Renaissance. These masses were held in people’s homes with secret priests and smuggled Catholic accruement.

The draw of this show is that it is an immersive theatre experience.  Upon entering you become part of a group that is ushered in by a performer who informs the audience about what they are about to see.  No assigned seats are provided, and you are free to move around the room during the performance.  A series of tapestries are set about the room that have written exposition concerning the historical context of the show.  You are warned that darkness and a few loud noises will be part of the show.

The location is St. Paul’s Cathedral, a well known non-denominational church located in Downtown Crossing in Boston.  The setting is exactly what the show calls for since it evokes a sense of reverence while creating a unique open space for the performance.  Typically, candles are forbidden at live performances for safety reasons, however, this show seems to get away with it since it is in a Church and certain dispensations are allowed for religious ceremonies.  And this show recreates a historical mass.  Well played! 

Arrive early if you wish to read the tapestries with plenty of time.  They also serve wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon by Ariel.  Music is playing and the performers seem to be acting out scenes including a confessional.  I almost decided to kneel down and make a few confessions myself, but thought I best not tarnish my image in public.

The performance begins.  The music rises as the voices sing out.  This show is for those with an ear for classical music and orchestral excellence.  You take in an exquisite musical experience that is both highly talented and extremely well versed.  At times audience members are invited to be seated directly at the table where the performers recreate the mass.  They sit, hold hands and are a part of the show. 

There is a bang at the door.  The candles are snuffed out.  What happens next is nothing, but true spoiler so should you wish to discover how this story unfolds, you will have to attend yourself.  But the ushered warned you this would happen.  But how it ends is up to you to discover.

Along with the wine, bread is broken and handed out to the audience.  It is the traditional communion associated with a Catholic Mass.  Shortly after a cup of lentils is given as a means of a communal meal.  You are not just an audience member; you are in the show as no distinction is made between the audience and the actor. 

Finally, you can take the music home with you!  The main performers are a group known as The Gesualdo Six.  They sell numerous CDs of various themes.  They even have a Christmas album, which is a perfect gift for the music lover this holiday season.

Secret Byrd will be performing in Boston at St. Paul’s Cathedral at Downtown Crossing until November 2^nd.  For more information please visit – https://revels.org/event/secretbyrd/

Read this review on the Events Insider Magazine website here