Ridiculous Story of Gammer Gur

In a crooked house, Gammer Gurton repairs her servant Hodge's trousers, while her cat Gibb eyes the milk tin. Gurton chases the cat; Hodge falls and loses the needle. Enter Diccon the Bedlam. While the others search for the needle, he appropriates the ham, then heads for Dame Chat's crumbly house. She's playing cards with her astute chickens. Diccon wants her ginger ale and creates a diversion by telling Dame Chat that Gurton is accusing her of needle theft. And he's also told Gurton that Dame Chat has the needle. A terrific knock-down fight ensues, but the truth is told and wily Diccon locates the needlestuck to Hodge's derriere, where it's been all along. This 16th century frolic is livelier than a Punch and Judy show. Lloyd's gesticulating characters are wildly funny; he gives this excellent retelling the setting it deserves. All ages. (April)