Jels Vikingespil in English
About Jels Vikingespil
Burning romance, fencing battles and colorful scenes performed by hundreds of volunteers creates a unique experience at Jels Vikingespil (viking theater) every summer. The trees and the lake forms a very special stage for the theater, which have taken place since 1977. The theaters are based on Nordic mythology presented with modern effects.
All actors and stage technicians are amateurs spending their spare time on practicing the theater of the year. The staff of professionals among others include Ole Sørensen as director and actor Bo Thomas as fencing teacher.
Buy your tickets on Billetexpressen.dk or in the box office at the theater from 2 hours before the performance.
Before the theater you can enjoy a special Viking buffet in the incredible longhouse, Valhal. You can reserve tickets to the buffet online along with tickets for the theater. It’s possible to order buffet until 10.00 a.m on the day of your visit.
Performance Dates in 2025
- Friday 4 July at 8.00 p.m
- Saturday 5 July at 8.00 p.m
- Sunday 6 July at 4.00 p.m (afternoon performance)
- Monday 7 July at 8.00 p.m
- Tuesday 8 July at 8.00 p.m
- Wednesday 9 July at 8.00 p.m
- Thursday 10 July at 8.00 p.m
- Friday 11 July at 8.00 p.m
- Saturday 12 July at 8.00 p.m
- Sunday 13 July – No performance
- Monday 14 July at 9.00 p.m (late night show)
- Tuesday 15 July at 8.00 p.m
- Wednesday 16 July at 8.00 p.m
- Thursday 17 July at 8.00 p.m
- Friday 18 July at 8.00 p.m
- Saturday 19 July at 8.00 p.m
- Sunday 20 July at 8.00 p.m
Summary of “The Skin King” (Skinkongen) 2025
This year’s play is loosely based on and inspired by the tale of Frode Fredegod by Saxo Grammaticus.
The Skin King is an epic drama that takes place in a time characterized by bloody power struggles. The story begins with the disclosure of the death of King Frode Fredegod – a death that has been kept secret by his closest adviser Erik Oddbane. Erik feared that the news of the king’s death would also mean the death of peace.
Now the king’s children are facing an uncertain future. The daughter Ofura was chosen by her father to inherit the throne, but immediately she meets resistance from her half-brother Halvdan, who feels unjustly treated. Halvdan, who has lived in the shadow of his father and his siblings, is driven by a dark ambition to prove his worth. He is willing to take extreme steps to seize the power, and he is even ready to kill his brothers Rune and Skate to remove them from his way to the throne. He proclaims himself king.
Ofura now faces a crucial choice: Should she fight for her birthright and the kingdom her father created, or give up everything she believes in? Supported by her faithful slave, Sif, she soon finds help from the experienced adviser Erik Oddbane. Together they leave to create an army so they can fight Halvdan and regain the realm.
Ofura sets out on a journey where she must face both her exterior enemies as well as her own doubt in herself. Is she right for the throne? And will the Danish chieftains ever accept a woman on the throne?
The Skin King explores complex subjects such as family, power, and love. The play raises the question: What does it mean to be a true leader, and is it possible to find peace without bloodshed? The story is filled with intense moments in which loyalty is tested and truth revealed, while Ofura is fighting for both her birthright and the future of the realm.