ABOUT 200 people gathered to watch the 48th modern annual performance of a village sword dance and play.
The origins of the play at Greatham near Hartlepool, in which a 'dead' man is brought back to life by a magical doctor, is lost but it is thought to have been performed by out-of-work agricultural workers in the early 19th Century.
The tradition died out in the 1920s but a modern version, held at 12noon each Boxing Day near the village green, has been performed by the Redcar Sword Dancers since 1967.
"It is a unique opportunity to see one of our ancient local traditions being enacted," said Brian Pearce of the Redcar Sword Dancers.
The dance, which takes about half an hour, was previously featured on national TV in BBC4’s A Very English Winter programme and Redcar Sword Dancers have won the Sword Dance Union Longsword Dance tournament six times in the past nine years; four with performances of the Greatham dance.
The Players are now based in Great Ayton and are looking for new members. Mr Peart can be contact on 01642 725129 for further information.
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