Magic Mummers
Were resting - but now returned under new management!  Although unable to participate myself currently, I wish them all the very best of luck with their new play!
From the old set up, here is a link to a You Tube video of us in Maldon.
To contact them now, talk to Martin Reed at  mnorthr10@yahoo.co.uk


Unique, Authentic, Traditional Entertainment

The Magic Mummers were formed by Pete Jennings in 2002 to perform a mummers play in Chelmsford, where they are based. Members are mainly drawn from the local Pagan community and enjoy this grand old British folk tradition of entertainment. Rather than copy a surviving text from another area, a new play was written using many of the characters and themes from a variety of sources. Part of the joy of mumming is it's ability to adapt to change to varying circumstances, and the side are confident of presenting their show in anywhere from the street to a major concert hall. It is traditional for the words to be declaimed in a bold manner, with much parody, comic asides and ad lib action. It was once only males who performed, but under the cover of the essential disguise you may detect members of the fairer sex involved in acting, singing, drumming and generally fooling around.

The King of Egypts daughter is fought for by Bold Slasher the Turkish Knight and St. George. In a classic combat, death and ressurection our hero is revived from death by the mysterious clever Doctor, whilst the ferocious Black Shuck devil dog and Jack-with-his-children-on-his-back join in the knockabout fun, laughter, songs and musical spectacle.

Written references to mumming go back to the early 1700's, but it is possible they date back further. They show influences of mediaeval mystery plays, court masques and a hint of Pagan ideas of rebirth.