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.
|
