Slaine takes on the Vikings – sort of! – in May

By John Freeman on February 27, 2026 • ( 0 )

Join professional storyteller Jason Buck for a performance of his show, Sláine: The Horned God, in May, at the epicly atmospheric Viking longhouse at Mooreforge Viking Settlement, nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Cumbria.

*Slaine artwork by Simon Bisley ©️Rebellion Publishing Ltd*

Jason Buck performing Slaine: The Horned God at Ludlow Assembly Rooms recently. Photo via Jason Buck — *Jason Buck performing Slaine: The Horned God at Ludlow Assembly Rooms recently. Photos via Jason Buck*

Jason Buck, Stotyteller — *Jason Buck performing Slaine: The Horned God at Ludlow Assembly Rooms recently. Photos via Jason Buck*

As we’ve previously reported, Jason has adapted Pat Mills 2000AD delivered tale of ancient Celtic heroes and villains, monsters and magic, dragons and demons, and goddesses and gods for the stage.

Recent photos from 'Sláine: The Horned God', at The Assembly Rooms Glastonbury — *Recent photos from ‘Sláine: The Horned God’, at The Assembly Rooms Glastonbury*

Set in a “time which is not a time” when Britain was rife with magic and mischief, this show brings together the epic heroic exploits and divine transformation of the one who would be High King of the Tribes of the Earth Goddess, reimagining ancient mythologies, adapted and brought to life through traditional storytelling, for modern audiences.

In partnership with 2000AD and Rebellion Publishing, created by Pat Mills ‘the godfather of British comics’ and Angie Kincaid, Sláine has captured the imagination of comics readers for generations.

Jason’s adaptation was described variously as “Absolutely glorious” and a “Spectacular adaptation – honours source material and the sources Mills himself drew upon” after its Oxford debut.

“Not knowing the stories of Sláine at all I now want to read them. Absolutely brilliant, didn’t want it to end”, said one audience member.

Don’t miss another opportunity to see it in person, or, if you can’t, there’s a live online performance coming up on 22nd March, and other dates around the country through 2026.

Jason Buck with the magpie chick, 'Bones', that he fostered during lockdown, asleep on his shoulder! — *Jason Buck with the magpie chick, ‘Bones’, that he fostered during lockdown, asleep on his shoulder!*

Jason Buck has been a performer most of his adult life, including gurning, comedy and sword swallowing, but his passion lies in stories.

“There’s nothing like getting lost in a story, the pictures in your head are better than film,” the prize winning storyteller says.

Jason has also written and published seven illustrated collections of stories, including Stories from the Towers of Stone and Steel and Jack in the Blood, the latter inspired by testing on Jason’s ancestral DNA.

A teller of tall tales, a weaver of whimsies and a fashioner of fables, Jason draws on traditional favourites and new ideas. His stories are told in the oldest and best ways – as live performances for modern audiences.

Based in the West Midlands of England, as well as a global online audience, Jason has performed across the UK and mainland Europe, blending traditional and contemporary motifs, vocal sound effects and pure, unadulterated fantasy.

Moorforge Viking Settlement is an exciting viking site in the heart of Cumbria, with a period forge, longhouses, workshop and more. Its next Annual Moorforge Craft Festival will be back for another edition for 2026 Beltane weekend, 2nd to 4th May 2026.

• Sláine: The Horned God (Cumbria) 7.00 to 9.00 pm Saturday 16th May 2026, Moorforge Viking Settlement, Wigtown | Book tickets via EventBrite

Ages: Adult and teen (12+), not suitable for children

Camping: Basic camping facilities are available on site, with running water and WCs (no showers) for £5 / person, payable to site owner on arrival.

‘Sláine: The Horned God’ Tour 2026 Continued – Upcoming Dates

5th March: Merlin’s Cafe Bar, Birmingham: SOLD OUT
20th March: The Pit at Newstead, Notts
22nd March: Live online (or watch later)
30th March: Cafe#9, Sheffield: SOLD OUT
16th May: Moorforge Viking Settlement
25 – 28th June: Solskin Festival, Peak District
28 – 31 August: Celtfest, West Wales
4th September: Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway, Kent
17th November: Temperance, Leamington

Future dates here in the 2000AD website

With thanks to Leigh Smith

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.