The performer
History in the body.
Story in the action.
I’m Paul Marsey, an actor-combatant, trainer and immersive performer based in Hartlepool. My work brings historical combat together with character, audience interaction and the practical craft of delivering a live show. Across 23 years, that has included combat displays, musical performance and interactive improvisation.
I build action around the people in the story: what they want, how they move and how an audience connects with them. Historical accuracy and entertainment shape my performance style, with safety, preparation and trust at the heart of the work.
Selected experience
From the field to the audience.
Kynren
Viking Village performance & show operations
At Kynren’s Viking Village, I have performed in costume, portrayed historical characters and brought combat and direct public interaction into the visitor experience. As Viking Village Performer & Flame Effects Supervisor from July to September 2026, I managed flame effects and oversaw hot-prop safety, coordinating with the show team. I also co-lead Viking Village volunteers, supporting communication, briefings and preparation for public performances.
Dawn of Chivalry
2003–2024
Performance leadership & show development
Across 21 years with Dawn of Chivalry, I developed from performance into leadership as Training & Development Officer, Lead Performer and Fight Captain. My work included developing show formats and stories, creating safety-focused training programmes and individual performer development portfolios, and delivering live entertainment with English Heritage and local councils.
Battle Ready Academy
Founded 2023
Training, choreography & performer development
I founded Battle Ready Academy in 2023 to develop performers through safe, collaborative combat and acting training. I build show formats, stories and choreography that connect believable action with character and narrative, adapting teaching to different experience levels.
Meet the Battle Ready coaches →Performance craft
Believable action. A living character.
Historical combat
Historically grounded combat displays, weapon handling, fight leadership and repeatable choreography, shaped around the story and the performers.
Character portrayal
Costumed historical characters, physical storytelling and musical performance, with attention to presence, motivation and the world of the show.
Interactive performance
Public interaction, audience engagement and interactive improvisation that invite visitors into the story.
Historical weapons & training range
Sword, shield, one-handed axe, one-handed spear, two-handed spear, two-handed axe, mace, club, flail, quarterstaff, glaive, horse-bow, longbow, crossbow, sling, dagger, trident, net and unarmed combat.
Training centres on safety, control, believable combat, characterisation and storytelling.
Additional formal combat training
British Academy of Dramatic Combat
Six BADC qualifications complement Paul’s extensive practical background in historical combat and live entertainment.
- Unarmed
- Merit
- Single Handed Sword
- Merit
- Tomahawk
- Distinction
- Advanced Unarmed
- Merit
- Rapier & Dagger
- Distinction
- Sword & Shield
- Distinction
Moving pictures
Performance showreel
The finished showreel is coming soon. Explore the photographs in the meantime. A performer CV is available on request.
▷Showreel coming soonA new edit is in preparation.
Casting & professional enquiries
Let’s bring the story to life.
For performance, historical character work, combat choreography, training or live entertainment enquiries, contact Paul directly. His performer CV is available on request.
pmarsey88@gmail.com
