History of Mumming 4 – Contemporary Mumming

Mumming today is a broad church, albeit a fragmented one.  Unlike the morris dance community which is well served by national organisations, mummers have no focal point.  They are varied in their form and performance. 

Some groups stick closely to historic scripts, whilst others write completely new scripts each year.  Plots range from the traditional hero-combat, to a diversity of fantasy and mythical stories or plays featuring local personalities.

Likewise, costumes can be in a traditional style, usually tatters.  Some groups go to great lengths to create very elaborate costumes.

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