theatre logo Wantage Mummers Play - a traditional play. They are supported by the Icknield Way Morris Men of the Vale of White Horse
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Mumming is a ritual play that is well over a thousand years old. Whilst it is traditionally associated with the Christmas period (Midwinter Solstice), it is said to be linked with pagan rites showing the triumph of life over death (death and resurrection).

Indeed, in other parts of the country they are even performed at Easter and All Souls Day (near Samhain). We have performed the Wantage Mummers Play since 1977, which is based on an old tradition from the nearby village of Steventon.

We perform our play on December 26th. The Icknield Way Morris Men sponsor the Wantage Mummers.

Buy Old Father Beelzebub's Speech for 2011. Proceeds donated to MIND, the charity supported for this year.



Following their successful 2011 performances, The Wantage Mummers have donated £1400 to MIND.
Mind Gold Award

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Cancer Research UK - Please help more people survive cancer
BOXING DAY PERFORMANCES
Wednesday 26th December 2012

10:00 Faringdon Market Place
12:00 The Bear Hotel, Wantage
13:00 The Hatchet, Childrey
THE YEW TREE

The Yew tree was considered sacred by the Druids, who believed it to represent an emblem of immortality; in view of the nature of Mummers Plays, we considered this an appropriate choice for our web site.

Taxol is a naturally occuring substance (a diterpene) found in the Yew tree. It inhibits cell division and it is this property that makes it the basis for the treatment of certain kinds of cancer.
 
Organisations helped by the Wantage Mummers
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