Will Re-enactment Societies require a licence?
This would depend on the precise nature of the specific activity being carried out. If the re-enactments are dramatic pieces in which what is done by the persons performing (whether by way of speech, singing or action) involves them playing a role in the presence of an audience for the purposes of entertaining that audience then they would come within the definition of a “play” under the Licensing Act. If they are then performed for the public or for a charge and with a view to profit, or for the members and their guests of a qualifying club, a licence would be required unless an exemption applied. If the re-enactment was staged purely for the enjoyment of those taking part and not for the purpose of entertaining an audience, no licence would be required. It is the same for masquerades and other forms of role playing (depending on the nature of the masquerade, there may also be a performance of a dance). The existence or otherwise of a script will not affect whether what is done falls
