You can't get any more 'real' than a live performance of the original and traditional Chiddingfold Tipteerers' play coming to a pub near you in Chiddingfold again this Christmas!

It all started when, having found an old script and account of a traditional 'Tipteerers' play that was performed in Chiddingfold circa 1860, a few chaps got together in 2003 to resurrect the tradition.

We have been seen each year since then!!

Also known as 'Mumming', Tipteering might be the original form of Pantomime (from the Greek: pan, the whole or all; and mimos, referring to a theatrical style or technique) and perhaps even the origin of what we know as modern theatre.Much of it’s origins seem to be pagan, involving the themes of death and resurrection around the winter solstice, but as few scripts or accounts have survived in written form this may be largely supposition.

The play was performed in the past by the agricultural and other workers of the area who, in times of winter hardship, found that a performing 'street theatre' was a welcome source of a little income!

The significance of the array of characters in a Tipteerer’s play seems lost to modern audiences, but has elements of a symbolic history of the British culture. Disguised, according to tradition with blackened faces, the ‘guisers’, or players take on the parts of King George, a Turkish Knight; Beelzebub, the Doctor; Old Father Christmas; the Bold Captain, Little Billy Wittle and, of course, Slasher, the gallant soldier! Needless to say, Good King George wins the day against the infidel who is killed, but brought back to life by the marvellous Doctor!!

All participants dress in what costume can be brought to hand; 'rags and tatters' and, with their blackened faces (to avoid recognition!), they ‘fight’ with wooden swords; and conclude by consuming beer whilst taking a collection!

(This money will be donated to the Chiddingfold Bonfire Fund, who disburse their funds to the elderly of Chiddingfold each Christmas).

To continue this modern re-enactment, the Chiddingfold Tipteerers will process through the village on Sunday 27 December 2009, starting our first performance at The Crown Inn at around 12:30, and concluding with another performance at The Winterton Arms at around 14:00.

Some raucous singing of Christmas carols with much audience participation will round off a cheering event.

We would welcome, and indeed encourage, interested local people, who would be willing to dress up and have fun; whilst continuing a very old tradition.

We are not looking for great acting - as anyone who has seen a memmers' play will know - but rathera willingness to dress up and spread some fun and to declaim the lines loudly and with spirit, particularly anyone with musical 'talent' who would be able to fiddle, bang or blow an instrument, to accompany us!

A big thank you to the licensees involved, for quenching the players' thirsts in previous performances.

(We also perform a play to celebrate St. George's Day - 23 April - wathc out for that one too!)

If you would like to take part; we will be meeting for 'rehearsals' in the run-up to Christmas.

Please contact John Cowburn on 01428 685940.