Country Voices

Synopsis

'Country Voices' is the first of a trilogy of plays written by Stewart Howson. It is set in rural northern England in the early years of the twentieth century. 

It gives us a glimpse of life for a typical rural family. Each member of the family has his or her story told with the help of the different characters that pass through their lives. It celebrates their good times and shares their times of sadness with moments of both hilarity and pathos as the march of progress and world events impinge upon a way of life that has changed little for centuries. The play incorporates some music and dance and was performed 'in the round' on a small stage in the centre of the hall.

The subsequent two plays, 'These things do happen' and 'Staying here' take us on through the years up to the present day and have previously been performed by Caldbeck Players in 1998 and 2002 respectively. 

Mumming
Up until the outbreak of the first world war mumming was a traditional ceremony performed at farms and 'big houses' around Christmas and New year. The performers were ordinary people in rudimentary disguises who had neither stage nor scenery, performing in kitchens, the halls of large houses or in the open air. The style of performance was ritualistic rather than realistic with a recurring theme of death and rebirth. A visit by the local mummers was eagerly awaited, its purpose being to ensure good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

'Country Voices' was commissioned and first produced by York Theatre Royal and further developed and toured by NTC Touring Theatre.