Ancient drama delights crowds

The Heptonstall Players performed their take on the Pace Egg Play to delighted spectators yesterday in the West Yorkshire village.

Heptonstall Pace Egg was revived in 1979 for a one-off performance as part of 12 months of events to celebrate the centenary of Heptonstall School.

The play, which follow the exploits of St George vanquishing his enemies, is thought to be possibly the world's oldest drama.

It can be traced back through English and European Mummers' plays to ancient Egypt and Syria. The text has been passed down orally and at one time was performed by boys from the village at Easter.

Picture: Bruce Rollinson .