Return of the Mummers but West Berks village keeps a secret

THE Aldworth Mummers return to the village's CAMRA award-winning pub on Saturday (December 17) – for the 46th year.

The roving players, who by tradition remain anonymous, will perform outside The Bell at 6pm.

The plays, traditionally performed in villages around the midwinter solstice, are based loosely on the legend of St George and the dragon and show the struggle between good and evil, death and rebirth.

Cheered on by the pub customers, with a healthy dose of hiss and boo from hecklers, at Aldworth a number of characters take centre stage, two of whom engage in bloody swordplay – one a Turkish knight, the other King George.

The loser is then revived in a comedic ‘miracle’ by a Quack doctor in a symbolic act of reawakening the earth from the death of winter.

And some years there's an appearance by good old Father Christmas...

The players, in various guises, have performed regularly since 1976, at numerous local watering holes, including the Pot Kiln, the Star in East Ilsley - now long gone – The Royal Oak, Yattendon and the former West Berkshire Brewery.

It is said that among the current line-up, some actors may come from Aldworth itself, although their identities are kept a strict secret. Maintaining the anonymity of the players is key, as villagers thought it bad luck if they could identify a performer.

Some believe the mumming tradition dates back to pagan times, while others say it is medieval. It is now thought that the type of play popular today dates from after the mid-18th century.

Although the term mummers has been in use since the Middle Ages, no scripts survive from then and it may have been a term for various types of strolling players.

• Prior to the mummers performance, between 4pm and 5pm, villagers will gather around the well for Carols @ The Bell at St Mary's Church to sing some classic carols and enjoy refreshments together. Everyone is welcome.