Recent Events

"In comes I..." was heard once again in Guildford town centre as we performed our traditional Twelfth Night folk play. Normally performed on 6th January (Twelfth Night) it was postponed this year because of the heavy snow that fell across Surrey and most of the rest of the country. The 17th was chosen because Britain's adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752 meant that the date had to be adjusted by eleven days, making the it the original Twelfth Night - see the Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar#Adoption_in_Europe) for the details..

The evening started in The Star, Quarry Street, with the election of Philip Gorton as the King of Misrule when he found the hard bean in the cake; who then promptly announced that his wife Sally would rule in his name! Well over 40 people followed us as the play was put on in four pubs and The Angel Hotel, where story-teller Janet, from Ewell, enthralled the audience with her salutary tale of greed. One local resident, Maureen Harland, 68, has been a loyal follower for over 30 years, since she moved into the area. She was particularly glad that this year's performance was only postponed and not cancelled, because it's her birthday on 6th January. As usual she was joined by a group of her family and friends. She said she looks forward to many more years of fun with the Tiptearers.

The chalk crosses were renewed on the beams in each venue, which ensures good luck for the coming year. The players and audience alike were given their dose of good luck by taking a sip from the Wassail bowl. Then, after the play, everyone joined in the rousing singing of traditional songs. Said one of the Tiptearers, "Now it feels like the year has properly started."