Draw on Sweet Night | Musical Film about Elizabethan Madrigalist John Wilbye (by Tony Britten)

“Draw on Sweet Night“ tells the story of the life and loves of Elizabethian composer John Wilbye by taking the experimental form of a biopic, experimental film and Elizabethan musical. Wilbye’s music, performed by the internationally renowned vocal group I Fagiolini under their director Robert Hollingworth, guides the viewer through the plot. The sumptuously photographed film is a feast for movie fans and music lovers alike. John Wilbye, considered one of the greatest madrigalists of the Elizabethan Age, spent his entire working life in the service of Sir Thomas and Lady Elizabeth Kytson at Hengrave Hall in Suffolk. This was not unusual – composers in the sixteenth century either worked for the Church or one of the great households. What is unusual is that after Wilbye’s second book of madrigals was published in 1609 he appears not to have composed anything else, yet Lady Elizabeth kept him on in the house until her death in 1628, showering him with gifts including the tenancy of the most prosperous sheep farm in the area. So why, when Elizabeth died, did Wilbye throw all this up and spend the rest of his days with her daughter, the divorcee Lady Mary Darcy in Colchester? Why did he dedicate his second book of madrigals to the beautiful and notorious Lady Arbella Stewart? Director: Tony Britten Cast: Mark Arends Doon Mackichan Sophia di Martino Christian McKay Nicky Henson Production: Capriol Films © 2015, Licensed by Poorhouse International