Sidmouth Mummers stage two plays for FolkWeek following launch of ‘slightly nude’ calendar

FRESH from launching their ‘slightly nude’ fundraising calendar, Sidmouth Mummers have announced they will perform a short play based on Beer smuggler Jack Rattenbury during FolkWeek.

Don’t fear, they won’t be shelving their traditional Christmas play during the festival, but adding the second, written in the early 1980s by of its members, Pete Wilson, about Jack, known as “the Rob Roy of the West” for his exploits along the coasts of East and South Devon.

Pete has created a (largely) fictitious but amusing street theatre play about the smuggler.

Keith Hudson, best known as St George in the Christmas play, has reprised the part of Jack himself, which he last performed during the 1983 folk festival.

This time the play can be seen around Sidmouth on Saturday and next Thursday evening.

The Mummers will perform their traditional Christmas play next Sunday afternoon, August 1, at 1pm in the Volunteer garden, finishing at 5.15pm at Port Royal.

They will also do a couple of performances on the sea front, weather permitting, and on Tuesday evening from approximately 7.30pm.

Their calendar has been launched as their first stage of the group’s Walk the Walk appeal in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

“There’s nothing rude about the calendar, it’s simply all good fun,” said appeal co-ordinator Henry Piper (Father Christmas).

To buy one contact Henry on (01404) 811491 or email: henrym.piper@gmail.com.