INTRIGUE and power struggles are being staged at Dover Castle this month as re-enactment troupe Past Pleasures give visitors to the Great Tower a snapshot of history.

From the tower's roof to the King's chamber and the kitchens, people will be able to witness the stormy relationships of King Henry II, his family and the medieval court. News editor KATHY BAILES took a step back in time

LOVE triangles, squabbling siblings and inheritance rows.

It sounds like an episode of EastEnders but is, in fact, the tale of King Henry II and his medieval court, which is being acted out in Dover Castle's Great Tower every day this month.

Visitors climbing the stone steps to the banqueting hall and the opulent King's chamber are greeted by the smells of a smoking fire and the drama of the 12th century king's struggle with his rebellious sons, his love for Princess Alice – betrothed to his son Richard – and his ruthless desire to retain not just the kingdom of the English but also the dowry lands of his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, who he has had thrown into jail.

In the banqueting hall, children sit on the floor enraptured as Past Pleasures actor Darren Ormandsay brings King Henry to life. His voice booms through the room as he argues with Princess Alice about his failure to keep his promise and allow her to wed Richard – later to become known as Richard the Lionheart.

The drama moves into the King's Chamber, among the lavish wall hangings, authentic hand-made chairs and beds, and in front of the crackling fire, which casts its orange glow through the shadowy stone room.

Their row takes an unexpected turn, leading to a stunned intake of breath from onlookers, as Henry takes his son's betrothed and kisses her.

This is just one snapshot of history, which visitors are immersed in when they step through the doorway of the tower, which was renovated and refurbished by English Heritage in a £2.45-million scheme completed a year ago this month.

The setting is an authentic reflection of how the tower would have looked in King Henry's reign.

After two years of painstaking research and work by some 140 artists and craftsmen – who spent thousands of hours designing and making 80 pieces of furniture, 21 oak doors, 140 metres of wall hangings, dozens of embroidered textiles, 47 cushions and more than 1,000 replica objects – the king's hall, chamber, guest hall and chamber, privy kitchen and armoury have all been furnished to evoke their original appearance.

It is the perfect place for the Past Pleasures crew to bring the medieval cast to life.

Darren said: "In lots of cases, adults and kids suspend disbelief and feel they are in the presence of a king, especially somewhere as amazing as Dover, which is an authentic and impressive environment.

"With re-enactment, people can really experience history in the moment. The characters of King Henry, his family and the kingdom are genuinely interesting, it is an exciting period.

"It is a dysfunctional family and is like an episode of EastEnders or Jeremy Kyle, a sort of soap opera, which people can dip in to and watch."

Because the performances are not finely scripted and roles can be taken by any of the troupe's 40-strong members – made up of actors, teachers, historians and even PHD students – the experience is different every time.

Darren said: "We improvise but it means if someone in the audience decides to join in or shout something out, we can incorporate it and are ready to go.

"The best thing is when you have a whole room of people really buying into it. If they are enjoying themselves then they will be learning something about the history, too."

To get a taste of medieval life, you can visit Dover castle and the Great Tower every day this summer from 9.30am until 6pm.

Tickets cost £14.90 for adults, £12.80 for concessions, £7.50 for children and £37.30 for family tickets. English Heritage members £1.

Find out more at www.english-heritage. org.uk/dovercastle