Constructing a Hobby Animal
A complex and difficult subject which I have neither the space, the knowledge nor the experience to expound fully. A few pointers are however, relevant.
Ideally a beast should always have the same operator who should aim to become skilled in its use and should receive due credit from his team. If the is good, his position and value should be recognised.
Too often the animal is regarded by the dancers as a low-grade nuisance and is operated by anyone who is not doing something else - or by the side's problem member who can thus he shunted off and forgotten. Teams with this attitude are probably better off not having a beast at all.
A new beast-master should start at home, practising in front of a large mirror, so that the range of possible expression can be devised and mastered. You may well find that the animal has its own character and 'sympatico' operators claim that, usually when you are not trying too hard, the beast can take over and start controlling you. This may sound far-fetched - but only to those who have not experienced it. WARNING. (seriously) If the beast starts getting reluctant to let go when you remove it give it up completely!
At a certain age, (circa 1-3) small children are both fascinated and terrified by animals, particularly 2-legged mast beasts. Well-meaning parents often try to reassure the child - 'See the nice horsey' - but this will be unavailing. You should learn to recognise the symptoms - the crumpling face etc. - and move away at once. Anything else only makes things worse.
Never chase a child into a corner from which there is no escape.
Fascination in older children can be a real nuisance - they will persistently bait and attack you. Your team should be aware of this, and detach a minder for you if you appear to he in trouble. In general though, a well-placed kick or an 'accidental' collision will usually do the trick. Don't run or hide - it makes the game better. Try 'talking' to adults or sitting down to watch the dancing. All-round vision can get you a reputation for psychic powers from people - even grown-ups - who seem convinced that you see through the eyes of the animal.
Not only children can be a hazard. A friend was forced into flight by the attentions of members of a Women's Institute who had just heard about the fertility aspect of his animal!
It is generally accepted that beasts do not talk. They should he silent at all times, but in emergencies may make noises appropriate to their species.
Many Morris Dancers consider it to be most important that members of the public should never see anyone getting into or out of the beast nor see it when it is unoccupied. Some teams just carry the head wrapped in its cloth, and change out of sight; but others take elaborate measures to disguise the animal in transit, and to confuse the public as to who exactly is inside it.
Note that all this is spoilt if the animal is seen chatting to colleagues or obviously taking a drink up under the cloth. If a team member needs to speak to the operator he should do so openly, but addressing the animal not the person inside. Ingenuity has enabled some animals to take a drink in public.