Ever Heard of Milford Mummers?

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Until a few days ago I had never heard of 'Mummers', and then was even more surprised to discover that there is a 'Milford Mummers' group.

If like me you don't know what ''Mumming' is, I have discovered from Caroline Ellis, that it is an ancient British street theatre tradition. 

Caroline explained; "In medieval times, most villages throughout Britain and Ireland would have had a Mummer's team, producing short plays throughout the year.

These plays may have originally been mimed (hence 'mum' - remaining silent) and were the for-runner of the Pantomime. Most were later performed in rhyming couplets. The teams (or "sides" as they are known in some places) toured round the village ale houses and large private homes - in much the same way that carol singers have done in more recent times.

All the plays have a theme of death and re-birth and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. (Hurrah !) There is generally a sword fight, with a 'baddie and a goodie' and much hissing, booing and cheering on both sides. A travelling doctor then arrives on the scene to revive the character who didn't survive the duel."

I was particularly please to hear that the scripts are not politically correct in any way at all.

Caroline also told us; "In the 1640s, the Puritans outlawed Mumming and many other Christmas traditions (including crib shaped mince pies!). Teams have re-formed and disbanded throughout the centuries ever since. We are lucky to have a writer on our Milford on Sea team. She provides tailor made scripts based on snippets from old writings, topped up with local and topical references."

A Mummers play is usually less than 10 minutes in length and generally ends with a seasonal song.

The Milford Mummers will be at the Christmas Folk Club at the Milford on Sea Community Centre in Sea Road on Thursday 11th December, along with the Sounds Like Fun Choir from Fordingbridge, Half of Murphy's and local floor singers.

There will also be Mumming around the village pubs on the evening of Friday 19th December. The Milford Mummers generally collect for a charity after they have done the play. Last year, they shook buckets for Shelterbox.

So there you have it, we all know what 'Mumming' is now - and you have plenty of chances to see and join in the fun over the next couple of weeks.