Crookham Mummers

About

Crookham Mummers take to the streets of Crookham Village to perform their traditional play on December the 26th this year. It's a part of a centuries old tradition that has survived in Crookham Village, Hampshire. The Mummers play lasts about 25 minutes and is performed outside the local pubs, quite handy if you want to enjoy a drink while watching.

The play is a cross between street theatre and pantomime - it revolves around King George, England's champion, challenging and defeating various opponents in a series of sword fights, fought with wooden swords. The fights have been described as "full blooded" and swords are usually broken in each fight. With four or more fights per stop and four stops to perform at, that can add up to a lot of broken swords. Although there is a basic script, each year the Mummers add in topical Jokes and Adlibs. Heckles from the audience are encouraged and you can even eave your mobile phone on.

Mumming never real caught on in the rest of the world and is pretty much confined to England.The Crookham Mummers are one of the few teams that have kept going through thick and thin. In the old days it was a vital source of income for some families, but these days a donations go to charity.

See the mummers at:

12:00 noon George and Lobster, Crondall Rd, Crookham Village, GU51 5SU, Hampshire

12:45pm The Spice Merchant, The Street, Crookham Village, GU51 5SJ, Hampshire

1:30pm The Crescent Green, The Street, Crookham Village, GU51 5SN, Hampshire

2:00pm Queens Head, Pilcot Lane, Dogmersfield, RG27 8SY, Hampshire