Arundel Museum presents the traditional Mummers Play performed by the Sompting Tipteerers

Members of the Sompting Tipteerers will be at Arundel Museum on 6th December at 4pm, first to give a talk about the story and history of the play, during which you can enjoy a glass of mulled wine, then to perform the play.

The play dates from the medieval period - Mummers Plays started as a form of cadging play where farm workers dressed in masks and in appropriate attire would tour the local area performing, sometimes in the houses of the more wealthy folk in order to collect money or food. The performance begins with an introduction, usually by Father Christmas, and what follows is a jolly, anarchic and noisy performance featuring a hero combat with two combatants such as St. (or King) George, a turk, a soldier and various ruffians, including a quack doctor with novel methods. The play ends with a plea for money from the audience and a song or carol of some sort.

There is no ticket charge, but carry some coins for the collection and maybe for a glass of mulled wine to fortify yourself for the performance !  Donations to Arundel Museum are also welcome.