E.H.Rudkin Collection (1974, A.Harper)


Source:

Aubrey Harper (Inf.)
A Plough Monday Play from Cropwell Butler, Notts.
E.H.Rudkin Collection, Com. 22nd Feb.1974

Manuscript copy of the Cropwell Plough Monday play published by Mrs. Chaworth-Musters (1890). There is also a typed-up version. This was sent to Rudkin by Aubrey Harper of Cropwell Butler, Notts., via Ian Beckwith. In a manuscript letter sent later, Harper explains his own experiences of the play thus:

"I must tell you that the copy I have sent you was written out in the early 1900's by a lady wholived quite near to me. The version I remember as a boy - and I took the part of the doctor just once - was rather different. In fact some of the 'actors' not too sure of their lines were apt to fill in with their own words! Being passed on by word of mouth rather than a written script and so far as I know the play has not been performed here at Cropwell for the past fifty years before tape-recording was thought of. A pity.

About the dancing - this was not a set thing, just a linking of arms and a jig. The songs also, were often made up verse to some well known tune.

I recollect that the play, as performed in my school days was most exciting, and entertaining, in spite of its shortcomings and for a performer to forget his lines was greeted with applause."

Index Terms:

Locations: Cropwell, Notts. (SK6836); Cropwell Butler, Notts. (SK6837)
Years: Ceased about 1924; Col. 1974
Subjects: Plough Monday; Play; Chaworth-Musters (1890); Dancing; Songs; Doctor
People: Ethel H. Rudkin (Col.); Ian Beckwith (Intermediary)
Archives: TDRG Archive, Ref. TD00752

Last Updated Mar 2005 by Peter Millington.