A bit of history revived

A LITTLE bit of local history will be revived today (Saturday) when the Warburton Souling Play goes “on tour” in the Lymm and Warburton areas.
The play originates back in the 19th century and died out in 1936 until its revival in 1978 – so this year’s tour marks the 30th anniversary of the revival.
Tonight the tour starts at the Saracen’s Head pub at Warburton and during the week there will be performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at various venues.
Next Saturday, November 8, the play will be performed at Warburton Church and various other venues before a final performance back at the Saracen’s Head at about 9.30pm.
Collections will be in aid of Cotebrook House home for the disabled at Oughtrington, Lymm – and the “Soulers” will be hoping to beat the £850 they raised last year.
What is a Souling |Play?
It’s a traditional play, usually performed around the beginning of November closely related to the more common Mumming Play.
A distinctive feature of these Cheshire plays is the inclusion of a Horse character. This is normally a decorated horse’s skull and is not to be confused with the Hobby Horse to be found in other English traditions and reputedly of Pagan origin.
The reason for it’s inclusion is not fully understood, however, the theories vary and maybe nothing more than the simple fact of it being a representation of the source of power for the many tasks of life in times past or as a representation of Cheshire hunting traditions.
Picture: The cast of the Warburton Souling Play in 1994