A Mummers' Play for St George's Day
Mon 1 Mar 2021
Our friends FOLK3D and The Lost Boys are inviting families to create and film their own Mummers' play to be included in the St. George’s Day Celebrations At Home.
Every year at the St George’s Day Celebration in Derby we have at least one Mummers’ Play so please help us to keep the tradition going! Our plays are specially written for Derby and involve at least one iconic Derby Character, a fight with a Dragon and the resurrection of the Dragon by a comedy medic. Of course, St George features too but always at the end and always too late to save the day!
This pack includes:
- What is a Mummers’ play
- How to go about adapting your chosen script to suit your family/bubble
- Ideas about costumes
- Ideas about performing
- How to film and where to send your films to
- 4 scripts to choose from
What is a Mummers’ Play?
Mummers' plays are folk plays that consist of informal groups of costumed community members that visit public spaces usually on various holidays. Traditionally a number of characters are called on to perform, there is no stage, and they perform wherever they are. Two of the characters engage in combat, the loser being revived by a comedy doctor character. Often one of the mummers’ play characters is St. or King George.
In Derby, we have our own specially created mummers’ plays that include a well-known person relevant to Derby, a dragon that threatens either that person or the thing that they are known for, a local hero/heroine that slays the dragon, a local medical person to revive the dragon.
How to go about adapting your chosen script to suit your family/bubble
Performers can play any role
Performers can play more than one part as long as they are not roles that are not performing together. A very small change of costume can help to identify you in a different role. You can combine roles if it makes sense to do so or edit them out completely as long as the story still makes sense.
You can adapt the words or improvise, just try to keep the rhythm and the rhyme and keep it family-friendly!
With the "doctors" role there is plenty of scope for comedy action e.g. using spoof equipment; strangely marked bottles of medicine; spoof emergency intervention.
Ideas about costumes
Mummers often use disguise to that they are not recognised. This was probably because traditionally they would have been working people performing to their bosses and asking for food or money. The disguise could be face paint or hats with hanging pieces over the face. You don’t have to use a disguise if you don’t want to.
Sometimes performers all wear a similar costume and have one thing to help to identify their character. Sometimes they are costumed completely to represent who they are playing.
Be inventive by using things from around the home. E.g. Fight with wooden spoons and pan lids; make St George’s tabbard out of paper; the doctor can use all sorts of interesting tools for the operation, or strangely labelled empty bottles for medicine.
For the dragon, we have help sheets to show you how to make different types of the dragon or you can invent your own. Your dragon you can also join in with our online St George’s Day parade.
Ideas about performing
Keep in mind where the camera and microphone are, making sure that you are either facing or side-on. Don’t turn your back when speaking.
Lines are often delivered directly to the front/audience, especially when introducing yourself, however, make sure that if you are speaking to or referring to another character that you somehow indicate them.
Remember to take your time and speak clearly – after all this is your moment to shine!
If you forget your lines you can use this to comedic effect – or maybe someone can obviously prompt you – it’s all part of the fun!
It is important to stay in character so for example, if you are scared or sad then do remember to try to be that – however, as in pantomime, there is plenty of scope for what is known as hamming it up (deliberately exaggerate emotions or movements)!
Usually, all of the performers are gathered in a semi-circle and all take part in cheering the hero and the resurrection or the dragon and booing the baddy. They can add witty comments (as long as it doesn’t throw the performer) and in our play, there is always an ending that all join in with. If it is not possible to capture all of the performers on film don’t worry but do all standby so that you can join in verbally.
The final example liked above under ‘What is a Mummers’ Play’ is an example of a play that was made remotely due to Covid-19 regulations. If you do want to take part but do not live with other people please do think about this option provided you are able to sequence the film clips into one.
Remember to keep it simple and have fun!
How to film and where and when to send your films to
Visit our Filming submissions for St George's Day Celebrations page for details on how to send a video of your creation to us.
For more information about Mummers’ Plays, How to make a Dragon, A calling on song for the Mummers and other information on Folk activities check out the Folk 3D resources page.
Scripts
Script 1 Rolls and Royce
Characters
- Mr Rolls and Mr Royce
- Reporter
- Dragon
- Character A (can be one of the existing characters or invent a new one)
- St George
Props
- Lucky winning ticket
- Microphone (e.g. a hairbrush – it doesn’t need to work)
Reporter
We have breaking news from Derby,
There’s a Dragon on the loose
It’s eating everything in sight,
And he’s got no good excuse! (Enter Dragon)
Now sir, who are you? You’re angry I can see.
Dragon
I am the Dragon, I am hungry, where’s my tea!
Reporter
They have been drawing lots here,
To see who shall be your dinner
Who has the lucky ticket?
Who is the lucky winner?
Princess (Holding lucky ticket)
In comes I the Princess I don’t want to be eaten
Reporter
I’m sorry dear you have been chosen. The others you have beaten!
Princess
I am a princess – get me out of here!
Reporter
Ah here comes Misters Rolls and Royce.
Character A
Did someone say sausage rolls?
All
Not sausage rolls! Mr Rolls!
Reporter
Now Mr Rolls and Mr Royce, how can you help – explain!
Rolls and Royce
Princess, we’ll fly you out of here, on our fast, jet aeroplane. (Mime flying the princess off– and back to the semi-circle.)
All
Hooray!
St George
In comes I St George, this is my Special day
Is there a citizen in distress or a dragon I can slay?
All
Oh good St George, you’ve come too late,
It’s ‘til next year you’ll have to wait.
(St George looks sad)
All
Aah! (Sad)
Script 2 William Duesbury – Crown Derby
Characters
- Red Dragon
- William Duesbury
- Passer- by
- Robin Hood
- A Good Citizen
- Florence Nightingale
- King George
- Artist
- St George
Props
- Bow and arrow (can be mimed if necessary)
- Florence Nightingales equipment
- Paint brush and paint pot (can be mimed if necessary)
- A ‘For Sale’ sign
Dragon
In comes I, the Dragon Red.
I am a mischief maker
My tail is specially designed
To be a china breaker.
William Duesbury
In comes I, Will Gooseberry by name,
All
Will Gooseberry?
William Duesbury
In comes I, Will Duesbury by name,
To Derby pots I brought great fame.
I’ll take your bones and foil your plots
I’ll grind your bones for china pots!
Passer- by
In comes I a passer-by. Can I help in any way?
I see that you’re in trouble, perhaps this dragon I could slay? (Looks doubtful)
Robin Hood
Stand back good friend, stay safe, for Robin Hood am I
And with my bow and arrow I will make this lizard fly! (All - make drum roll sound on legs) (Mimes firing arrow and the Dragon falls)
All
Hooray
A Good Citizen
I am xxx, a friend to all,
A shame to let this Dragon fall
Is there someone to be found
Can raise this dragon from the ground?
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale is my name
In the Crimean war I got my fame
I’ll tend this dragon and make him well (Treats Dragon – make up a comedy routine to this)
Rise up now from where you fell. (All - hands drumroll sound on legs as the Dragon Rises)
All
Hooray
King George
King George the third am I,
I’m here to save the day
I grant to you (WD) the royal crown so you may proudly say
‘By royal appointment we make pots,
Crown Derby is the best
To make the finest work of all,
Will always be our quest’
Artist
And now you Dragon Red and bold
We’ll paint you with the finest gold! (Mimes painting the Dragon)
Rise up and sit, our shelves to brighten
For you will be a collector’s item! (Give dragon for sale sign)
All
Hooray!
St George
In comes I St George, this is my special day
Is there a citizen in distress or a dragon I can slay?
All
Oh good St George, you’ve come too late,
It’s ‘til next year you’ll have to wait.
(St George looks sad)
All
Aah! (Sad)
Script 3 Joseph Wright and Walter Evans
Characters
- Joseph Wright
- Walter Evans
- Dragon
- Lara Croft
- Mrs Marks
- Fire fighter
- Derby Citizen
- Florence Nightingale
- Police Officer
- St George
Props
- A weapon for Laura Croft
- A makeshift Firefighters hose
- Comedy wound dressings for Florence Nightingale
Joseph Wright
In comes I, Joseph Wright,
I come to paint scenes for your delight
With characters from Derby Bright
And good Saint George that valiant knight.
All
Hooray!
Walter Evans
In comes I, Walter Evans by name,
Through the cotton industry I got my fame.
My mills are powered by the rivers flow
My business strong, and bound to grow.
Dragon
In comes I, a Dragon, both fiery and hot,
I’ll burn your factory down, like it or like it not!
All
Boo!
Lara Croft
Oh no you don’t, you evil snake
I’m here your cunning plans to shake.
For I am Lara Croft, Tomb Raider!
Slayer of Dragons and enemy evader! (Lara Croft prepares to fight the Dragon)
Mrs Marks
In comes I a teacher. Mrs Marks by name.
But I won’t give marks for fighting
So just stop this silly game.
Fire fighter
I am a Derby Fire Fighter, I am good at saving folk,
I’ll use my trusty hose and give this snake a soak! (Fire fighter uses hose on Dragon. Dragon Falls)
All
Hooray or Aah – (happy or sad that the dragon is beaten?)
Derby Citizen
Is there a doctor to be found can raise this dragon from the ground?
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale is my name
A nurse with skills surprising,
We’ll place a dressing here and there
To cause a Dragon Rising! (All - Hands drum roll sound on legs) (Treat Dragon and Dragon gets up)
All
Hooray!
Police Officer
May the Derwent waters quench your fire,
And we’ll find you a new vocation
Tomb Raider 2, The Dragons Lair’
You’ll become an Animation!
All
Hooray!
St George
In comes I St George, this is my special day
Is there a citizen in distress or a dragon I can slay?
All
Oh good St George, you’ve come too late,
It’s ‘til next year you’ll have to wait.
(St George looks sad)
All
Aah! (Sad)
Script 4 The Derby Ram
Characters
- Ram (for this character we made a Broom Ram in the style of a Broom Dragon with small football type eyes. But it’s OK to use your imagination for the Ram Character and to work out how to do the actions below!)
- Dragon
- Saint Nicholas
- Referee
- Steve Bloomer
- Mum/Dad /carer
- Dinner Supervisor
- Derby Citizen
- St George
Props
- Football for the eye
Ram
In comes I, the Derby Ram, the fattest ram of all
My eyes are as big as footballs and I am 10 foot tall.
My horns are as big as the arboretum trees, they reach up to the sky
The peregrines build their nest there you can hear the young ones cry.
Dragon
In comes I, a Dragon fierce, and I have eaten half your city
The footballers, the engineers, he ate them all. No pity.
I fancy now some mutton, or a tasty lamb or ewe (Sees ram)
By George! My luck is in today!
Come, let me eat you too (Dragon and Ram fight, Ram loses a football eye)
Saint Nicholas
In come I, Old St Nick, Now stop this silly brawl,
This eye will make a gift for a child who plays football. (Picks up eye and holds it up)
Referee
Is there a man in this fair county can save this Ram from pain,
And put his eye into its socket so he can see again?
Steve Bloomer
Give me that eye into my hand and I will take the corner
And I will make it right again for I am the great Steve Bloomer. (All - hands drum roll sound on legs) (Steve Bloomer takes the eye and moves to takes the corner, in slow motion as ball leaves Steve Bloomer the Ref. takes the ball and moves the ball across to Ram, and replaces in Ram’s eyes socket)
All
Hooray!
Mum/Dad /carer
Of all this silly fighting, we have had enough thank you!
Call in the dinner supervisor, they’ll will know just what to do.
Dinner Supervisor
Now Ram, you be on your way and stop boasting of your size (Exit ram)
And Dragon we will cook you up some tasty fish and fries. (Leads dragon off or integrate this character with the next and then lead off)
Derby Citizen
For Derby is a peaceful place, as you will soon discover
For we have restaurants galore, no need to eat each other!
All
Hooray!
St George
In comes I St George, this is my special day
Is there a citizen in distress or a dragon I can slay?
All
Oh good St George, you’ve come too late,
It’s ‘til next year you’ll have to wait.
(St George looks sad)
All
Aah! (Sad)
