The Long Company
The Long Company perform their traditional play
only during the period between New Years Day and The Festival of Fools (Twelfth
Night). The company arrive from darkness, preceded by a band and lantern party,
and after the play, disappear back to the dark.
The traditional play brings on Old King Christmas, dressed in green, who introduces
St. George in his red and white coat. The Bold Prince of Paradine, in purple and
silver, fights and kills the noble saint, who is then revived by the silver-clad
doctor. The working man is represented (in traditional Christmas colours) by Common
Jack who ...works for all and pays for all!
Bringing up the rear end is Beelzebub - the
black and red Devil who's got the ultimate in marketing philosophies -
"...it's Money I Want, It's Money I Crave, If you don't
give me money I'll sweep you all to your grave!!"
The Long Company will appear out of the night
by the following hostelries in and around Sowerby Bridge and the Ryburn Valley
in West Yorkshire:-
See the Mummers in
2008 AD at......
- 2nd January
- "Kershaw House" Luddenden Foot, Calder Valley, HX2 6NW
- 3rd January
- "The Navigation" Chapel Lane, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 3LF
-
- 5th January
- "The Alma" Cottonstones via Millbank, Ryburn Valley, HX6 4NS
6th January- "The Bridge Inn" Ripponden, Ryburn Valley, HX6 4DF
Text of the Long Company
Calling-on Song and Play.
Back to Ryburn 3 Step