The Chudleigh Mummers group returned again on Boxing Day to entertain crowds at Chudleigh Town Hall, The Cridford Inn and The Phoenix.

Mummers’ plays are folk plays performed by troupes of amateur actors, traditionally all male, known as mummers or guisers (also by local names such as rhymers, pace-eggers, soulers, tipteerers, wrenboys, and galoshins). Historically, the plays consisted of informal groups of costumed community members that visited from house to house on various holidays

Although the term ‘mummer’ originates in the Middle Ages, the earliest evidence of plays is from the mid to late 18th century.

This year’s performance by the Chudleigh Mummers followed the typical plot of the gallant hero Saint George being defeated in battle by an evil villain. A doctor then brought St. George back to life. Finally, good won over evil as Saint George triumphed in a second duel.

The plays are also intertwined with elements of comic satire normally based on local and national events.

This year the characters were bemused by the appearance of sheep in Chudleigh, the disruption to local buses during the recent road closures and other international themes.

David Bone, script editor for the 2025 play, said: ‘This is our twenty seventh year and we’ve been delighted to perform our play again in and around Chudleigh.

‘We are especially grateful for the support of all of our audience members who turned out to see the play. We really do have to say a big thank you to everyone who put money in the hat and £175 from the proceeds will be donated to the Homeless in Teignbridge Support (HITS) project.’