Historalia Productions was founded 10 years ago by four siblings—three brothers and one sister—who shared a deep passion for history, culture, and community. Today, Simon de Merode and his sister Eliane Astor (née Merode) continue to lead the family’s vision, but they know that the true heart of Historalia lies beyond just their family. It’s the community that brings their productions to life, making each show a truly magical experience.

From the very beginning, Historalia has been about more than just producing musicals. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and pride within the local community. Every other summer, when the historic grounds of Westerlo Castle are transformed into a stage, it’s not just the Merode family behind the scenes. Neighbours and local enthusiasts come together, contributing their time, energy, and talents to make each production a success. This communal effort infuses our shows with a unique spirit that cannot be replicated in a traditional theatre setting.

The passion and dedication of our community workers and cast members are what truly elevate our productions. Their hard work and commitment to bringing history to life are what make Historalia’s shows so special. Whether it’s building the set, performing on stage, or welcoming visitors, every individual involved plays a crucial role in the final production. This collective effort not only enriches the experience for our audience but also fosters a deep connection between the people and the history of their region. Our ultimate mission with Historalia is to create an emotional connection between historic houses and a large audience, thanks to live theatrical and musical performance on stage. We believe that by emotionally connecting local community and large audiences with historic houses, we can help create a larger group of people who will care and therefore help preserve our heritage. 

Historalia’s success as the second-largest production house in Belgium is a testament to the power of community. As we expand our horizons and bring our unique brand of historical musicals to the UK, we remain committed to this community-driven approach. The story of Historalia is as much about the people who support and participate in our productions as it is about the history we aim to preserve and celebrate. We are excited to bring this collaborative spirit to Hever Castle in 2025 and look forward to the new community bonds that will be formed along the way.