Despite it being a workday for some, the 27^th December was a holiday date for the Chiddingfold Tipteerers.

Tradition dictates that our performance be on the day following Boxing Day, so be it!

There were not therefore perhaps as many people in the three pubs we visited as on previous years,
but nevertheless a substantial audience was present in The Swan, to greet us at 12.30pm.

The Tipteering Play in Chiddingfold has now been performed on four occasions in modern times and has been a welcome addition to the village, bringing a touch of fun and traditional street theatre to the Xmas holiday-times in Chiddingfold. The players, mainly local, are happy to remain anonymous; as custom dictates. So, with some new players in our troupe, we were more than ready for some extra ‘ad-libbing’ to boost the script, and indeed the performance went along with great gusto and spirit, concluding the traditional play in time honoured fashion with a hearty sing-a-long!

(Spot our newest recruit with the long dreadlocks and a brush on his head! Perfect costume!)

A short procession around the corner to The Crown, our second venue, and as was expected, the additional lubrication consumed aided the presentation of lines and acting immensely! The audience here was more dense(!), and required some furniture rearranging to create an area of floor for the performance, also the lower ceilings and decorations were more at risk of inadvertent damage from the enthusiastic sword fights! Perhaps our most polished and enthusiastic rendition of the play to date!

A longer procession to the newly restored Winterton arms P.H. and our third rendition. Very pleasing to see a substantial customer presence at the Wint. They gave us a great reception, followed by a particularly wholehearted recital of The Twelve Days of Christmas!

The weather treated us kindly again; the cast all enjoyed themselves very much, the pubs appreciated the entertainment, and it appeared that everyone enjoyed the occasion. Donations made and collected will be forwarded to the ‘Bonfire Fund’.

Thank You All for the support and enthusiasm!

“Santa Claus” “Little Billy Wittle” “The Noble Captain” “St. George” “The Daughter of the Queen of Egypt” “The Turkish Knight” “The Gallant Soldier” “The Doctor” “Jack” “Beelzebub” and “The Minstrels”.

(Make a note for St. George’s Day, April 23^rd when the players may be seen again!)