Paul Mansley

I have been a Bradshaw Mummer for about 10 years, still a youngster in the 37 year history of the team. Lets get one thing right from the off - MUMMERS DONT DANCE, at least if we do Morris we don't mix the two.

Mumming, as we perform it, is a form of theatre from the English medieval period. It is probably best recognised through Pace Egg plays and plays about St George and Bold Slasher, performed as a one off at either Christmas or Easter times. The theme is as pagan as the morris with death and rebirth at the hands of some quack doctor representing the seasons change from winter to spring. The teams are all male with blackened faces to avoid recognition by the devil.

That is a very quick guide to Mumming Traditions. At Bradshaw we do all that and have published about 20 plays of our own to the same theme. We perform at folk festivals throughout the summer and historic sites and winter markets as they crop up. Although performers are all male we are very much an inclusive group with WAGs, children and animals traveling with us. The team has a wide mix of backgrounds with a common appreciation of a good laugh, the odd beer and a bit of a sing. We rehearse on Wednesday nights and don't let an audiance or sponsor down.