James Edward Frost trading as Theatre of the Small
artist theatre designer puppeteer lecturer curator
"HOODING a country masquerade at Christmas time, which in Derbyshire they call guising (I suppose a contraction of dis-guising), and in other places mumming." (Rev. Samuel Pegge, Alphabet of Kenticisms, compiled 1735-6)
The East Kent tradition of Hoodening described in 19th and early 20th century sources usually involved the performance of a 'Hooden Horse', Rider, Wagoner, Molly and musicians. A number of groups continue this practice; St Nicholas-at-Wade, Whitstable, Wychling and Dover. Although traditionally a Christmas custom you can now see the antics of the hooden horse at other times of the year and in new contexts e.g. Whitstable May Day, Broadstairs Folk Week, Sidmouth Folk Festival Horse Trials.
I have been performing in the Whitstable May Day procession since 2005 when I refurbished the May horse, originally built in the 1970s. In 2011 I constructed a hooden horse for the Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival. I co-founded the Canterbury Hoodeners in 2016 and now perform with Trudgepig Folk Theatre. Our plays are inspired by the traditional folk repertoire and includes a herd of hooden horses for walk-about and procession. For bookings please contact me through the link at the bottom of the page.
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For a detailed history see Ben Jones' Hoodening website.
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The Canterbury Hoodeners perform at the Bell and Crown, Canterbury, Christmas 2018
Trudgepig's herd of hooden beasts, Sandwich Wassail walk 2025, photos courtesy of Leonie Freeman
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The Canterbury Hoodeners perform 'The Outlaw Robin Hood' and 'The 1217 Battle of Sandwich', Summer 2017
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The Canterbury Hoodeners perform 'The Hooden Horse Play', Christmas 2016
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Revival of the hooden horse at Whitstable May Day, since 2005
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