St George reigns over watching crowds!

Hundreds packed out Weavers Square in Heptonstall to watch the Heptonstall Players’ perform.

St George, Bold Slasher and the infamous Toss Pot were joined by a cast that brought to life the oldest play in the world, The Mummers Play.

The first, performed by the Heptonstall Players’, starred Stuart Hought as St George, Jimmy Green as the Bold Slasher and Andy Carter as the Black Prince. Dean Gash reprised his role as Toss Pot where one lucky lady in the audience received a kiss which, according to tradition, will guarantee they’ll be pregnant within a year.

Neil Hope-Collins compered the play - and dazzled the crowds with his juggling skills - while David Burnop (who revived the play in 1979) played The Doctor, Sydney Roper played the King of Egypt with Rowan Carter as Hector.

Macmillan nurses and Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team will benefit from the performances.

Students from Calder High School, Mytholmroyd, also performed the Midgley version of the Pace Egg Play around most towns and villages of the upper Calder Valley on Good Friday, raising money for some good causes in the process.

Thomas Jennings, who helped organise this year’s event and starred as Toss Pot, said it was totally different from last year when they performed in the snow.

“The weather was really good this year and the crowd’s were enthusiastic as ever. Everything went really well and we managed to raise £630 which will be split between the Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, East African Playgrounds and The Alzheimer’s Society.

“We would also like to thank Pioneer Travel who supplied us with the mini bus for the day.”