Synopsis: 

The play is set in the last days of the Roman Empire. A Christian tailor named Androcles helps a suffering lion by removing a thorn from his paw. Later, after Caesar has rounded up the Christians and sentenced them to death by the beast, the lion refuses to harm the man who has been so kind to him.

Written in 1912, Androcles and the Lion has themes of martyrdom and persecution which are portrayed through Shaw's use of comedy, slapstick humour, verbal wit and physical humour.

BHTC NOTES: This was the first BHTC open air production in the grounds at Marle Place. Sheila Newell (playing the part of Magaera), remembers it as a great experience but that everyone got bitten by all the insects!