If you happen to be in a Wiltshire pub in the five days leading up to Christmas, you might witness something truly "Wyrd." The door swings open, a bell rings, and a group of men in tattered coats and strange hats burst in to perform a ritual of life, death, and dubious medical miracles.
This is the Potterne Mummer’s Play, a tradition that has survived—and been revived—to keep the ancient spirit of Wessex alive.
What is Mumming?
Mumming (or "guising" as it was once known) is a form of folk play that dates back centuries. While every village once had its own variation, the core story remains remarkably consistent: a hero, a villain, a brutal fight, and a magical resurrection.
In Potterne, the tradition is a point of local pride. As Bob Berry explained in our latest episode of Wyrd Wessex, the current play is a blend of history. It features words found by Reverend Buchanan in 1896, a revival staged by schoolmaster Bernard Baker in 1953, and the steady hand of the side that has been performing continuously since 1972.
The Seven Characters of Potterne
The play isn't just a performance; it’s a parade of archetypes. The Potterne side features seven distinct characters:
Father Christmas: Forget the red suit. This is the Old English Father Christmas, dressed in green and tatters, acting as the master of ceremonies.
King George: Our bold hero, ready to defend the crown.
The Turkish Knight: The antagonist who challenges the King (and usually ends up flat on the pub floor).
The Spanish Doctor: The comedic highlight. He travels from "Spain" (or perhaps just the next village) with a magic potion to bring the fallen back to life.
The Valiant Soldier: A braggart warrior with a "cutter man, slasher man" reputation.
Old Almanac: A short, punchy role usually reserved for the newest member of the troop.
Little Man Jack: A mysterious figure carrying dolls on his back representing his family—a poignant and slightly eerie end to the lineup.
More Than Just a Play
While it looks like a bit of Christmas chaos, the Mummer’s Play serves a vital purpose. It is a living link to our ancestors, a way to gather the community, and a powerhouse for local charity. The Potterne Mummers perform up to 25 times in the run-up to Christmas Eve, raising thousands of pounds for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
As Bob says, "We do it because we love it. It’s part of what we do." It is a reminder that even in the modern age, there is still room for a bit of traditional magic, a wooden sword fight, and a pint of Christmas ale.
Stay Wyrd