Stage Combat: Armed (Rapier & Dagger)

Roger Bartlett

• Publisher: Nick Hern Books
• Year: 2026
• eBook ISBN: 9781788509275
• Topic: Media & Performing Arts
• Subtopic: Acting & Auditioning

This clear and comprehensive manual contains everything you need to know in order to create and portray armed stage fights with the rapier and dagger (or just a rapier) that are dramatically effective, and, above all, safe.

Starting with the essential concepts, including footwork, eye contact, targeting and distance, it then takes you step by step through all the key techniques:

• Performing attack moves including slashing and slicing, thrusting, and cutting
• Parrying moves and defending yourself against attacks using a single weapon or two weapons together
• Counterattacks such as taking control of your partner's blade and ripostes

Each technique is clearly described and extensively illustrated, with accompanying online videos demonstrating every move. Also included are sections on how to put together your own fight sequences, make them dramatically compelling and realistic, and convey your character's pain, wound or death.

Whether you are an actor preparing for a role with a sword fight, or a student learning your craft, this book will help you execute the techniques with precision and control, build your confidence and keep you safe. It also helps you to recognise when you may need to call upon the services of a qualified professional. For those already trained in stage combat, it will serve as an invaluable refresher as well as supplementing your ongoing training.

Whatever your current level of experience, Stage Combat: Armed is a vital resource for directors, actors, students and teachers, or indeed anyone looking to incorporate safe, effective sword fights into their stage productions.

Roger Bartlett is a professional fight director and Master Teacher for the British Academy of Stage & Screen Combat (BASSC), the UK's leading provider of stage-combat training. He is also the author of Stage Combat: Unarmed.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword by Nigel Boyle
• Introduction: Playing Safe
• 1. Footwork
• 2. The Weapons
• 3. Distance
• 4. Targeting
• 5. Defending 1
• 6. Checking Distance
• 7. Thrusting Attacks
• 8. Taking Control
• 9. Defending 2
• 10. Fluidity
• 11. Deceiving the Parry
• 12. Circular Thrusting Attacks
• 13. Defending 3
• 14. Cutting Attacks
• 15. More Ways to Take Control
• 16. Slashing and Slicing
• 17. Putting It All Together
• 18. Making It Real
• 19. Pain, Wounds and Death
• Further Information
• Acknowledgements
• Index of Techniques and Videos
• About the Author
• Copyright Information