Out of season appearance for Sidmouth Traditional Mummers

THEY are usually only to be seen around Christmas time, but next Sunday, June 26, Sidmouth Traditional Mummers make an out-of-season appearance at Kennaway House.

Ffiona Eaves, organiser of heritage events for the house and herself a keen folkie and morris dancer, said: “We are delighted the mummers are coming to Kennaway House. I’ve seen them from the back of a crowd in the garden of the Anchor during the folk festival, but otherwise you generally have to squeeze into a pub at Christmas.

“It will be a lot more comfortable watching them in our Cellar Bar, where there is plenty of space, and there’ll be a chance to ask questions as well.”

Old Father Christmas, aka Henry Piper, the Mummers’ leader, starts off the afternoon at 3pm, with an explanation of the origin and history of the play.

There is a fascinating possible link with the Kennaway family of Escot, once owners of Kennaway House, and Henry will introduce a colourful cast of characters, including St. George, the Turkish knight, and the Doctor.

What has the doctor got in his bottle? Why does the Duke of Wellington fight a Napoleonic general? How come that Sidmouth has its very own play? Old Father Christmas may have some answers.

Doors and bar open at 2.30pm, tickets on the door �5.