What are Mumming plays
Mumming plays are short traditional comedy dramas performed at all manner of festivals, many have their roots in the seasons of Christmas, Easter or May Day.
Imagine you have had your time off for Christmas and you need to go back to work. But there is nothing left to eat or drink in the cupboard! What else to do but sing for your supper? You take your band of friends to entertain the landowners who may still have full cupboards and barrels of ale to reward you.
The plays depict the victory of good over evil, peace over conflict. There is boasting, bravado and mortal combat. There is always a remarkably clever Doctor on hand to revival of the unfortunate victim to the astonishment of all! And there is often a wedding too. Peace and harmony prevail.
What to expect
A short performance with engaging dialogue and edge-of-your-seat tension, all in a pantomime style with larger than life characters and lots of laughs. And the action may involve audience participation.
We are best suited to smaller spaces at a variety of events
At present we offer the following three plays – none is longer than 15 minutes.
Robin and Marian’s Wedding
We are in the forest with Robin Hood’s merry band, all preparing to celebrate his nuptials! The characters arrive, each introducing themselves and boasting of their prowess. But what’s this? The Friar’s beer-swilling and thieving ass runs amok, stirring up terrible trouble and suffering the worst of fates! Can the remarkable vet, Dr. Cleverlegs, save the day? Will Robin Hood ever get to marry that renowned beauty Maid Marian?
St George and the Dragon
The age-old story of St George the Valiant and the Fiery Dragon is retold! But must the Dragon really die? Tosspot, the wise fool, appeals for a Doctor. Can the precious creature, now an endangered species, be saved? Shall peace prevail? A classic tale of the triumph of good over evil, and of reconciliation.
The Plough Play
The Lady here has captured all hearts but she is very demanding
She turns away all manner of hopefuls, of pedigree both dubious and fine. Even St George is not good enough for her! At last her eye alights on the faithful Fool and her heart is lost. But what’s this? In steps Dame Jane. The Fool has a past she claims! Battle ensues. The Fool seems slain. Is all lost? It’s nothing that a miraculous doctor and a few songs can’t put right!