AN evening of "filth at its finest" is promised by Dante Ferrara in his ribald Restoration comedy show at the Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, York, on July 1.

Finery & Filth is a stand-up gig with a difference, transporting the audience to the late 17th century to experience the songs and poems of Restoration England in a one-man show that embraces music, storytelling, comedy and bawdiness.

Based on the Catch Club in London, Ferrara's hour-long performance is set in 1695 and features the work of Henry Purcell. Not his usual fine classical compositions, however, but examples of the filthy songs he wrote on the side.

The back story to Finery & Filth records how life began to improve during the Restoration after Oliver Cromwell’s puritanical crackdown on people enjoying themselves. Theatres re-opened, everyone could sing and dance, dine out late and party in public again.

"Coming up with the title of the show was quite easy," says Ferrara. "People wore fine clothes, lace, silks and fancy shoes, but underfoot was a different matter. No sewage system, poor drainage and public latrines made for an unhygienic daily life.

"Beneath all this lay a subculture of promiscuity and drunkenness, so the filth element was doubled. The music scene was similar and the audience at my show will be treated to fine, intricate music woven into some of the most amazing lyrics (un)imaginable."

In Finery & Filth, Ferrara sings and plays the hurdy gurdy, citterns and orpharion to create a vivid picture of Restoration England. Dressed in fine silks, he introduces the audience to the Restoration Rat Pack led by Purcell. "He may be commonly regarded as England’s finest composer, but what’s little known is that he’s also responsible for some of the bawdiest songs in the English language," says the mischievous minstrel.

“So, rap and punk artists, take note. It’s all been done before and it’s what your ancestors were singing. The only difference is that the songs are hilarious. The show is a fun evening aimed at anyone who enjoys music, comedy, history or all three but it’s not suitable for the under-12s.”

To discover more of Ferrara's work in the field of Tudor, Elizabethan and Renaissance music, seek out his album Bazimakoo or his six short videos on YouTube.

Tickets for his 8pm show cost £8 on the door.