- This is the article on the Medieval Times dinner theater chain. For the historical time period, see Middle Ages.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is a chain of dinner theaters which stage tournaments in the style of the chivalric contests of the High Middle Ages. The company is privately held and headquartered in Buena Park, California. The original Medieval Times opened in Spain, and was a huge success. Later it was imported to America, and in December 1983 in Kissimmee, Florida the first American Medieval Times opened. Since then it has opened eight additional locations primarily in suburban areas of North America including California, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey and Toronto, Ontario. The Andalusian horses featured in the shows are raised and trained at the company's own Chapel Creek Ranch in Sanger, Texas.
Contents |
The show
Customers pay for the dinner and show on a single ticket; after purchasing, they gather for pre-show entertainment outside the venue at a "castle". Each castle has a capacity of between 1,000 and 1,500 patrons. Upon admission, patrons are seated at tables encircling a large indoor arena, in which the performing knights engage in jousting as well as sword fighting and individual and equestrian skill games. The house is divided into six sections, each assigned a different color, and the audience members are encouraged to cheer for knights who wear the same color (an authentic nod to traditions of courtly love). Dinner is served in courses, without eating utensils, as the audience is to eat with their hands in "medieval fashion" (historically, knives and spoons were customary; sporks and knives are available at the show for those who desire). There is no menu to choose from; a typical meal consists of soup, garlic bread, bone chicken, one potato, one rib, a varied pastry, and Pepsi, iced tea, beer and/or coffee. A vegetarian dish can be given to those who request it. It differs from a historically-accurate medieval kingly feast, with the potato, Pepsi, and coffee being especially anachronistic.[1] Dinner and show are designed to last two hours.
The Knights
The Lord Marshall King of Arms: From the land of Wolfhaven, comes His Majesty's finest knight and Captain of the King's Army as well as one of his oldest friends. Though he is quick tempered and strong willed he still respects the King's decisions as he is given the task of governing the tournament. A master at many forms of combat and can easily boast that no one has ever bested him in battle. His colors are black with red trim. Don Eduardo Nolasco del Rey: The Gallant Yellow Knight from Navarre and defender of the Citadel Olite. Though he may be a troubadour at heart, this brave captain is terror in battle. His character is romantic and competitive. His rival is the Blue Knight. Don Iofre Santa Crue: The Reverend Black and White Knight, defender of the Holy Shrine at Santiago de Compostella. This warrior and priest, whose reverence and piety are equaled only by his thirst for battle. His character is chivalrous and aggressive in battle. His rival is the Red and Yellow Knight. Baron Ruiz de Roug: The Noble Red Knight. The strong arm of Castilla, defender of the ancient city of Calahora, champion of many tournaments, and the Lion's Heart at the side of the King in so many battles. His character is noble and hot-blooded. His rival is the Green Knight. In most shows the Red Knight is the cousin of the Lord Marshall based on their color scheme but any knight can be the cousin character theoretically. Don Alberto del Mau: The Blue Knight. His victory is bittersweet for during the great battle many of his kinsman from La Casa Valiente fell to the enemy. Standing bloodied yet unbroken was this young squire destined for glory. He was dubbed a knight of the realm upon the field of battle and helped to deliver a stunning triumph. His character is impulsive and headstrong. His rival is the Yellow Knight. Lord Delfont, the Red and Yellow Knight: Personal champion to Don Ramondo II of Paralada. The people of Paralada rely on this seemingly invincible soldier to keep the peace in their City-Kingdom. In the great battle his sword raised him to fame. His character is brave and very sure of himself. His rival is the Black and White Knight. Don Temple, the Green Knight: This terror from Leon and Asturias is a heartless mercenary who would sell his sword for any cause at any price. He was invited to the tournament because he finally has proven to be a worthy ally for once in his miserable life. His claim to fame is that he has never been unhorsed in a joust. His character is bold, cocky, and ruthless. His rival is the Red Knight
Pop culture
 |
To meet Wikipedia's quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup because it is in a list format that may be better presented using prose. You can help by converting this section to prose, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (December 2007) |
- In the 1996 movie The Cable Guy, Jim Carrey's character Chip, takes Steven, Matthew Broderick to a Medieval Times Restaurant. The scene was filmed at the Medieval Times location in Buena Park, California near Knott's Berry Farm.[1][2]
- In the 2004 movie Garden State, one of the characters who works at the Lyndhurst, New Jersey Medieval Times wears a full suit of mail around the house and is jokingly called a "Fast Food Knight" by another character.[3]
- In addition, Medieval Times has been featured in many television programs including MTV's The Osbournes, The Ashlee Simpson Show and Date My Mom, VH1's Flavor of Love, TBS's Minding the Store (starring Pauly Shore), The WB's Survival of the Richest, ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition CBS's Walker, Texas Ranger.[1]
- A fall 2006 episode of Rick Mercer Report featured Rick Mercer taking Gerard Kennedy, then a leadership candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada, to Mercer's "favourite restaurant" – the Medieval Times location in Toronto.
External links
- Medieval Times home page
- Jason Coyne's Medieval Times Gallery The whole show in pictures.
- The United States radio show This American Life featured a visit to Medieval Times in Simulated Worlds, an episode first aired on 11 October 1996.
- Medieval Times Georgia Photo Gallery
- "Historical Fiction", by Mark Schatzker from Slate, October 6, 2004. How medieval-themed restaurants get it wrong.
References
- ^ a b Medieval Times California. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.
- ^ The Cable Guy IMDb. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.
- ^ Garden State Official Site. Retrieved on 2007-07-06.
