Underbelly Tour is back, offering unique look at Portsmouth history, with humor

Deb Cram, Portsmouth Herald
·2 min read

PORTSMOUTH — The Underbelly Tour strives to be anything but boring. "Accused spy" Silas Deane and his storytelling partner, "tavern wench" Olive Madbury, lead tours of the city's history while sharing information based on fact — with comic twists and turns.

George Hosker-Bouley and Sarah Shanahan are once again leading the interactive experience through time in summer 2023. A 15-year run of the Underbelly Tour ended in 2018. The duo has brought it back this year in honor of Portsmouth's 400th anniversary year.

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., visitors gather in front of The Hammer Pub and Grille on Pleasant Street to meet up with Silas and Olive. Silas makes his way through the crowd in order to kiss each woman’s hand, while Olive introduces herself and tries to remember everyone’s names. They advise their history-seeking guests what they will hear are facts with a grain of salt and it is a must they interact with them.

"Tavern wench" Olive Madbury, portrayed by Sarah Shanahan, playfully encourages patrons to move closer during the Portsmouth Underbelly Tour. "Accused spy" Silas Dean, played by George Hosker-Bouley, is to the left.
"Tavern wench" Olive Madbury, portrayed by Sarah Shanahan, playfully encourages patrons to move closer during the Portsmouth Underbelly Tour. "Accused spy" Silas Dean, played by George Hosker-Bouley, is to the left.

Laughter is frequent as the group moves in unison. Faces get serious when Silas talks about the many homes and businesses that burned in the past. How did Ruth Blay die and who was the sheriff in charge that night? Where were the brothels of the past, and where did George Washington sleep when he came to Portsmouth? These questions and more are answered.

"In all the years I’ve done the tour I don’t think we’ve ever gotten negative feedback, but we’re very upfront about what kind of a tour we’re doing," Hosker-Bouley said. "We have had a few people politely excuse themselves after the first stop because it wasn’t their cup of tea. Oh, and one person fainted!"

Silas Dean, portrayed by George Hosker-Bouley, interacts with a patron during the Portsmouth Underbelly Tour held on Wednesday evenings.
Silas Dean, portrayed by George Hosker-Bouley, interacts with a patron during the Portsmouth Underbelly Tour held on Wednesday evenings.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 978-683-7745. Cost is $20 per person and visitors can show up without a reservation as well. Tours are being held every Wednesday through Aug. 30.

Information: portsmouthnh400.org/upcoming-programs/the-portsmouth-underbelly-tour

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth NH Underbelly Tour is back: History with humor