Season
1979-80
Play
Traditional Newfoundland Christmas Mummers Play (1979)
Run Dates
December 1, 1979–December 31, 1979

Playwright
- Collective Creation Based on Traditional Newfoundland sources
Director
Cast
- Beni Malone The Doctor
- Glen Rockwood Father Christmas
- Charlie Tomlinson Old Ball the Hobby Horse
- Greg Thomey The Turkish Knight
- Colin Quigley King George
Description
When mummering still occurred in Newfoundland, the mummers would often put off a play in exchange for food and drink. The Mummer’s Play was an oral Christmas tradition brought to Newfoundland by British and Irish settlers in the sixteenth century and would take place in the home during the twelve nights of Christmas. The dialogue is simple rhyming couplets with some improvisation, and many versions exist given how it has been passed down by each generation. The Mummer’s Troupe got their name from reviving this tradition, with their own spin on the dialogue.
The plot begins with The Turkish Night and King George who battle by rhythmically stomping and knocking their wooden swords. The Doctor enters and plays to the audience as he cures the dying man with improvised comedy. A parade of additional characters enter, including the demon Beelzebub and a large Hobby Horse, before the play concludes with a blessing on the home from Father Christmas.
Production type
- Mummers Troupe Production