R.W.Storer (1975)
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Transcription
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Blood Tubs and Mummers Plays such as 'Maria Martin' or 'Murder
in the Red Barn' were presented in tents pitched near the 'Market
Inn' at Handstubbin and the 'Brick & Tile' at Underwood. These
shows were provided by Teddy Raynor with his daughter Flo
assisting with management. The tent was heated with fire
buckets!
Older children and adults took the mumming plays or "Bull
Guysing" to the public houses and for a few of the better-off
houses. These plays had their origin in Mediaeval Times and the
acting or spoken word portrayed either the Christian Festivals,
the New Year, the Saints, etc. Some older readers may well
remember the cheery character of the blackened face of Belzebub
and his final lines at the Christmas play:-
In comes owd Bel-zebub,
On me back a' carry me club,
In me 'and a dripping pan,
Don't yo'u think I'm a jolly old man,
If yo'u don't, I do.
Plum puddings hot, Plum puddings cow'd,
Plum puddings in the pot nine days owd,
If you think I'm a fool and got no sense,
put yo'ur hand in yo'ur pocket and gimme a few pence.
These plays have survived in certain parts of the country and in
particular in the Erewash valley until recent times. |
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