A step through the Great Hall doors of the Memorial Union on Friday and Saturday and one was transported to a different time and place.

A vision of 16th century Merrie Olde England came to life as Iowa State presented the 37th annual Madrigal Dinners, beginning each evening at 5:30.

Produced by Randy Compton from WOI radio and James Rodde, professor of music, the annual Madrigal Dinner was complete with music from the Iowa State Singers, merriment, pageantry and an authentic New England feast.

“Iowa State was the first in the area to produce one of these dinners and it became popular because of the Renaissance music and thus continued on,” Rodde said.

“The number one thing I want people to take away from the evening is the beauty of the singing and the acts of merriment through the plays and audience participation.”

The night began as a group of three men and three women all dressed in full regalia paraded around and entertained the crowd with their songs from the Renaissance era.

Promptly at 6:30 p.m. a trumpet fanfare echoed throughout the corridors as the north vestibule doors slid open to reveal the authentically decorated banqueting hall.

Lit only by candles, the banqueting hall glowed with the nostalgia of Olde England as gold drapery and old England flags hung from the walls. The mesmerized crowd quickly proceeded inside to find their tables.

Once inside the Great Hall, the doors slowly closed and the Royal Family proceeded in and took their seats at the head table. A feast of Wassail punch, Windsor cut pork, a twice-baked potato, baked apple compote, tomato farcis with sweet corn, Guillotine pull-apart bread, plum pudding with lemon sauce and hard sauce, and dates and nuts was served.

“Throughout the meal members of the Iowa State Choir stood surrounding the room and sang a cappella. I was very impressed by their marvelous voices,” said Mary Ricke, religious educator at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 2210 Lincoln Way.

Entertainment also included an ensemble performed by the Music Men with authentic instruments, and members of Orchesis performed as court dancers.

Member of the choir prepared a light-hearted play, along with a version of Sack Theatre, in which members of the audience got involved with the acting.

Ricke said her favorite part of the night was the Sack Theatre because it was well-written, humorous and featured audience interaction.

“I also really never realized about all of the versatility of the music, and was very impressed with the singers and the unusual musical instruments, as well as the costuming, service and decorations,” she said.

The merriment of Olde England ended at about 9 p.m. with a final trumpet fanfare, song, dance and recessional of the Royal Family.