Stoneleigh Mummers Play 1975 to 2014: Revival or Creation of a Tradition?
Abstract
This year will mark the 40th annual revival of the Stoneleigh Mummers Play which had been published in 1925 by local historian Mary Dormer Harris. First revived in 1975 at Christmas time it has become an annual performance on 26th December. The performances start in the neighbouring village of Ashow and continue in Stoneleigh. There is a final performance outside Stoneleigh Village Club at 1.15 where there is usually a crowd of 100 to 200. The performances in Ashow and Stoneleigh (up until the final performance) are effectively for and supported by the local residents. The play is an example of a Hero Combat play, with only 7 characters, one fight and one revival and brief appearances by supernumeraries at the end. The hero is King George and the adversary Bold Slasher.
About the author
Tim Chatham is a member of Coventry Mummers and a practising solicitor. He has been involved in the revival and performance of the Stoneleigh play since 1975 and is lead contact between the mummers and the people and organisations of the village.
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