There are two main ways to perform a 'Mumming play'; the traditional way and the Revivalist.  We perform in colourful costume with the accent on fun and improvisation.  It's a revivalist method keen to bringthe play to life.

 

 

Mumming was recorded as early as 1377.  The plays are stories of good against evil but the emphasis was always on telling thestory in an entertaining way.  The plays were performed around the festive times, at Easter or, especially, Christmas.  There is a hero, often St George, a mock comedy rogue the Turkish Knight and the main villain, The Prince of Paradine.  Throw into

the mix a comedy Doctor and a Fool to help the story along.

 

On of our favourite plays, The Redcar Play, was collected from Mr George Humphries, a New Marske Ironstone Miner,

who himself performed in the play in the early 20th century.

 

 

Booklets of the plays were published from the 18th Century onwards.