Why not venture out this Boxing Day and watch a quirky custom being carried out? Across the country, bands of merry men and women will be performing a traditional Christmas play, known as a Mummers Play. The plays are often performed in or near a local pub, so all the more reason to pop along…
St Albans Mummers (Photo: Michael Maggs)
St Albans Mummers Play
When: 26th December 2018, from 11.30am
Where: St Alban’s, Hertfordshire
£: Free to watch
What is it?
Watch the traditional Christmas play of St George and the Dragon, performed by the St Albans Mummers. Catch it at the St Albans Museum & Gallery (Old) Town Hall at 11.30am, The White Hart Hotel at 12.15pm, West End, St Albans Abbey at 1pm, The Fighting Cocks at 1.45pm or The Clock Tower at 2.30pm. The performance begins with a wassail carol and features the Lord of Misrule, Father Christmas, St George, a dragon and a giant.
More info: www.stalbansmummers.org.uk
Marshfield Mummers Play
When: 26th December 2018, from 11am
Where: Marketplace, Marshfield, Gloucestershire
£: Free to watch
What is it?
At 11am every Boxing Day, the Marshfield Mummers, aka The Old Time Paper Boys, perform their traditional play, which was revived in 1930. Their curious name comes from their costumes, which are made from strips of old newspaper. The play is introduced by the Town Crier and features an eclectic bunch of characters, including Old Father Beelzebub, King William, Saucy Jack, and Tenpenny Nit.
More info: www.marshfieldmummers.co.uk
Keynsham Mummers Play
When: 26th December 2018
Where: Keynsham, Somerset
£: Free to watch
What is it?
This year will be the 41st time the Keynsham Mummers have performed their play, since its revival in 1977. The play is performed by the Bristol Morris Men at St John’s church, Keynsham Library and The New Inn. Their play also includes the characters of St George and Father Christmas, and due to some ad-libbing is slightly different each time!
More info: www.bristolmorrismen.co.uk
Keep up to date with the many performances taking place on Boxing Day, visit themorrisring.org
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