INCENDIARY - Samuel Pepys in Words and Music

St. Olave Church, London, EC3R 7NB
Saturday 30th May 2026

Power. Corruption. Plague. Fire. War - and the fall of kings. 
Pepys’ immortal account of ordinary life in extraordinary times, with Edward Bennett (RSC Associate, Bridgerton, SAS Rogue Heroes) and leading Baroque soprano, Grace Davidson (Max Richter’s Sleep, Tenebrae, Wolf Hall Live and film/TV, including Hamnet, Frankenstein, The Mirror and the Light), accompanied by lutenist, Daniel Murphy.

This unique and very special performance takes place under Samuel Pepys' and his wife, Elizabeth's, gaze, in the church where they both worshipped and lie buried. Pepys' inimitable words are brought to life by Edward Bennett, woven with Grace Davidson's sublime soprano. Music flows through Pepys' writing, from the earthy Broadside Ballads of London's streets to the Baroque. In this production, music and words combine to illuminate Pepys' story with an emotional impact that has to be experienced.

Samuel Pepys: Edward Bennett
Elizabeth Pepys/Voice: Grace Davidson
Lute: Daniel Murphy
Adapted by: Deirdre Shields
Director: Judy Reaves

Presented by Hambletts in association with Harmonic Artists & MW Music and Artists

hambletts.com