P.T.Millington Collection (1991, T.Thorpe)
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Transcription
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PLAY FROM BAGTHORPE, NOTTS
Notes from a telephone conversation with Tom Thorpe of Brinsley, Notts.,
following an appeal for information "Do Guysers StiII Exist?" - by Peter
Millington in the Eastwood and Kimberley Advertiser, 18th January 1991.
Mr. Thorpe played the Opener In as a child when he lived in Bagthorpe. He was
born in February 1923, So would have performed in the early 1930s. He recalled
that his team once trekked all the way to Felley Priory to perform, but they
were met at the door and told that they could not do their play. However, they
were given a pound note and asked "Will that be alright?" They would have been
happy with tuppence.
Mr. Thorpe had previously been interviewed on tape by Norman Couldry and Peter
Millington on the 30th Jan.1971. The following letter postmarked 21st
Jan.1991 was sent after the telephone call. It is primarily just the play
text. Somewhat fewer words were recalled than in 1971, but there are some
parts which are not present in the 1971 text. All spellings and use of case
are as in the original letter, but the lines have been laid out in rhyme.
"Opener In I open the door I enter in.
I beg your pardon to begin.
Whether I stand sit or fall
Ill do my duty to please you all
So room room gentlemen
give us room to sport
and make known this merry Eventide.
SAINT GEORGE I am SAINT George of all ENGLAND sprang
many great deeds and wonders have I made known
I followed a fair maiden to a giants gate
and set her free.
Opener Youl do then
Slasher I am a gallant soldier and slasher is my name
with sord and buckle by my side I ought to win the game
SAINT GEORGE Stand back slasher and let no more be said
for if I draw my glittering sword.
I'll soon have thee devour
AT THIS POINT THEY HAVE THE battle, slasher is On the floor
Opener in Oh George On George what hast thowe done,
thas gone and slayed my only son
send for a doctor
DOCTOR I am the doctor.
he bends down and gets a bottle
Here Jack take a sip out of this bottle
and let it run down thy throttle
and if thow feelest not quite slane
arise good feller and fight again.
He does not get up
BELZIBUB In comes old belzibub
Over my shoulder I carry my Club
In my hands a drippin pan
Dont you think Im a jolly old man
cos if you dont I do.
Devildowt In comes Old devildowt
With my breechers inside out
Money I want money I crave
If you dont give me any money
Ill sweep you to your grave
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Some of the words may sound funny but that is how we had to say them in those
days.
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Another pairt I cannot remember very well. I am 68 in three weeks. I can
remember 60 year ago but cant remember yesterday"
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