The Winster Guisers will be at the Sycamore at around 8.30 pm and then at the Parwich Legion at 9.00 pm (Friday December 14th).
The Winster Guisers perform at various venues around the White peak villages of Derbyshire throughout the Christmas period bringing a traditional mix of colourful drama and festive cheer to an unsuspecting public. Guising is a local tradition better known around England as Mumming. The dictionary tells us that a ‘mummer’ is one who ‘masquerades’ in a folk play usually at Christmas whilst a ’Guiser’ is a person in disguise.
The characters enter as follows, the Enterer-in, dressed in formal attire, sets that stage for the ‘conflict’ between St. George, a noble champion dressed in Red and riding a hobby Horse, and the Black Prince of Paradise. St George is victorious and the King of Egypt then berates him for killing his son. An old woman then calls for a doctor and a Quack Doctor enters with his potions to cure the dead prince. This is done by ‘uplifting’ a pint of beer from a member of the audience and is drunk in one swallow by the prone prince. A departure from the narrative now occurs as a devilish Beelzebub enters followed by Little Johnny Jack, with his wife and family on his back, and then Little Devilly Doubt. The climax of the ‘show’ is the appearance of the Groom and the Horse, a real horse’s head operated by a concealed Guiser, who captivates with his antics. A final song rounds off the performance and a welcoming beer is then supped by all to bring good luck to all those present.
Over the last quarter of a century the Guisers have become well known and liked visiting traditional hostelries and houses on a regular basis. Refreshment is taken to bring ‘good luck’ to the hosts and a collection is taken for Charity.
(The above information has been taken directly from the Winster Guisers’ web site)
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