THE Lyme Regis Mummers are in distress and are urgently seeking a damsel.

The second in the revived tradition of Lyme Mummers’ plays is set to promenade through the town in January.

In January this year 400 people packed the streets to cheer at the horseback heroics of Sir George, swoon at the beauty of the fair Sabra, and quake in their boots at the villainy of the Woodworser and the Turkish Knight.

But this year 18-year-old Georgia Robson who played damsel Sabra in this year’s folk play is going to be on work experience in Pakistan and so the search is on for a new princess.

Playwright and director Harry Ford said: “Without a damsel you could say that Lyme Regis Mummers are in distress.

“Rehearsals are already underway as there is hope that a princess will show up soon.”

Danny Anholt, whose horseback portrayal of Sir George wowed the audience, added: ‘I hold out hope that there are ladies out there who need a hero as much as Sir George needs a heroine.

“Ladies there may be, but have they got what it takes?

“When Thomas Hardy saw a Mummers Play the fair Sabra was played by a young boy.

“Now audiences have a right to expect a thoroughly modern miss in a medieval setting.

“She may wear a pointy hat, but she’s no dunce.

“If any young ladies are keen to audition they are invited to leave their names and contact details at the desk of Lyme Regis Museum.”

The traditional seasonal Mummers’ play will unfold in the streets of Lyme on Saturday, January 12, starting at 4.30pm outside the museum and parading through the old town, to St Michael’s Church where the final scenes will be played out, with cakes and ale all round.