King George:
Can be seen as either Time, killing the old year, and the Sun in winter,Or as one of a pair of sacred kings, one representing the light half of the year, and the other (Slasher) the dark half.
Slasher:
Either seen as the old year, killed by King George and resurrected as the new year, by the doctor, or as George’s dark counterpart, both of whom are competing for the hand of The Lady.The two kings fight at solstice time, the dark king wins in summer and the king of light wins in the winter.
Sheba or Moll
Representing the Earth Goddess, theoretically her favour is sought by both champions to bring fertility to the land.
Dragon
His fiery breath represents the Sun, dying at the winter solstice and resurrected by the doctor for the return of summer next year.
Doctor:
Quack, magician, shaman, ensures that the Sun will rise again, and the new year will be given life, despite the efforts of the Devil.
Doctor's Assistant
Exactly what is says on the box.
Devil:
Force of darkness and evil, wanting to end the world by preventing the turning of the year and stopping the rising of the Sun.
Fool:
Just a fool, link to audience.
Old Father Christmas
Narrator of the play.
Jack in the Green
ALso known as the Green man. Aids Old Father Christmas in unravelling the plot and reminds us of warmer, greener times to come once the light returns from this dark mid winter period.
How Prize Old Mummers interpret a Mummers Play
Over centuries, people have performed Mummers Plays to entertain folk in the depths of winter. There are various traditions of Mumming, plays are known as a “Robin Hood” play or a “George and Dragon” play.
Another style is a “Wooing” play where a young man courts a Lady but is rejected and he is persuaded to join the army The Lady then accepts the hand of a Clown or Fool. However, Prize Old Mummers have reversed the role and in our play the Woman tries it on with King George, failing that, the Foreign Knight, The Devil or even The Doctor. This plot in then interwoven with the George and Dragon tale.
Prize Old Mummers are so called because the magic elixir used by the Doctor to raise the dead combatants is a bottle of Prize Old Ale, formerly brewed by George Gale and Co of Horndean. The brewery ceased trading in 2006 but the name of their very fine barley wine lives on in the name of our mumming side.
Our play, while having a very traditional appearance, is littered with references to current affairs and issues of the day. References to popular culture, environmental issues and political satire are used. Dressed in tatter costumes with faces obscured in many shades and colours, we endeavour to keep alive a tradition while raising funds for a charity.
Prize Old Mummers have performed in Pubs, Folk Clubs, Iron-Age round houses, music festivals, music halls, orchards, streets, breweries, market squares, museums and grand houses.