Sammy’s tribute to Maggoty Johnson

Local thespian Sammy Wells, who from an early age has been performing all around Cheshire, has learnt the importance of theatre, in every shape and form – in her own words “bringing people together and teaching us so many life lessons – sometimes without even realising it!“

During the first lockdown of 2020 Sammy began taking her dogs on local walks which led her to Gawsworth and Maggoty Johnson’s Wood, which she later learned is the final resting place of Samuel ‘Maggoty’ Johnson – jester of Gawsworth Hall.

Having researched him, she began writing his life into a script – and the result of her efforts is coming to the stage in three weeks as part of the Greater Manchester Fringe, at The Empty Space Theatre.

The Tale of Maggoty Johnson is a theatrical performance that blurs the line between a biography and a fantasy fable, following the life of the last working jester in Britain, Samuel “Maggoty” Johnson.

With a nickname that follows him like an unwelcome shadow, born from his reflection and his mind, we travel alongside Maggoty as he falls in love with the freeing and expressive nature of performance.

Inspired by the storytellers of yesteryear (or should we say jester year), we employ historical techniques – verse, song, and allusions to folklore – with a heaping helping of the absurd and surreal and a chuckle along the way! 

All performances are at The Empty Space (formerly Footlights Theatre), 48 Kansas Ave, Salford M50 2GL

The production contains some adult references so there’s a suggested audience age of 14+ years. references. 

3rd September at 5:30pm

4th September at 2:30pm

4th September at 9:15pm

Tickets available at:

The Tale of Maggoty Johnson