Reece Shearsmith live-tweeting the Wicker Man plot is the best possible May Day celebration
The first day of May has a special place in the traditions of the UK, with activities such as maypoles and Morris dancing harking back to pagan fertility rites. The classic horror film, The Wicker Man, stars the late Edward Woodward as a Christian policeman who becomes embroiled – or broiled – in the May Day rituals of the pagan inhabitants of Summerisle.
Writer and actor Reece Shearsmith, co-creator of the delightfully macabre League of Gentlemen and Inside No. 9, has been heavily influenced by the grim happenings on Summerisle and has tweeted the plot from the Edward Woodward character perspective a few times, including this year. It’s beautifully done, so we thought we’d share the darkness with you.
It started out innocently enough.
And I'm off! Got my sandwiches packed. Bit cloudy for the trip across, but should be a fun day. Will be getting to Summerisle around half eleven I think. pic.twitter.com/mr6bff2a0C
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
Touch down! I'm here! They said they would be expecting me. #summerisle2019 pic.twitter.com/BAJZXaVhOw
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
Although, he soon realised the people of Summerisle have some interesting customs.
Ha! The locals seems bit shy! All wearing these masks! Just being rowed across in a dingy. Will dump my bags at the inn, and then go and explore a bit. pic.twitter.com/TpQf28roFN
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
Everyone seems very friendly. Went into this shop. ("Local shop for local people!"!Ha! Ha!) pic.twitter.com/gGENfacQrb
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
Bought some barley sugars. The woman was very smiley. Now off to see the Mayor or Lord of the Island or whatever he is. #summerisle2019
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
Some very interesting customs …
Erm …. Not sure what's going on here!!? I could hear them singing! #summerisle2019 pic.twitter.com/0l3mu1VMT4
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
Summerisle has a lord, and Reece got to meet him at his stately pile.
Wow! Here we go…. Look at this! #summerisle2019 pic.twitter.com/FXmTO5arpb
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
Interesting chat with the Lord. (I don't know if he is an actual Lord.) Recounting how his Victorian grandfather (this man) cultivated the islands famous apples! Hasn't got any for me to try though! pic.twitter.com/vOnTJcoRkW
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
He also got an invitation to take part in their May Day festivities …which was very welcoming of them.
Tetchy when I asked about the lack of apples! But he's invited me to join in their May Day festivities. There is a procession this afternoon. I have to have a costume. They're going to knock something out for me. And yet more oddity in the village! #summerisle2019 pic.twitter.com/uEjO5rLb8N
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
Getting ready for the parade. Will post pic of me in my outfit soon. We set off at 5.00pm! Everyone's getting very excited! #summerisle2019 pic.twitter.com/nQOEtxcdOH
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019
Right! We are heading down to the start of the procession! Some amazing costumes! Mines a bit big, but at least I blend in! #summerisle2019 pic.twitter.com/VEw7nfHqR2
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) May 1, 2019