An Introduction to the English Mummers’ Play

Room, Room, Ladies and Gentlemen

Eddie Cass and Steve Roud

Tipteerers, Jolly Jacks, Pace-Eggers, Christmas Boys, Plough Jags, Soul Cakers. These are all names for the groups of characters who have performed their plays the length and breadth of England for at least the past 250 years. These are Mummers and their traditions provide a fascinating insight into England’s cultural heritage. The origins of such traditions have long been debated but never adequately resolved.

This is a concise introduction to this complex subject and selected texts which represent the various types of play known to have existed within England since records began.

There are also some hints on performing the plays in a school context – or anywhere, for that matter!

Published EFDSS in association with The Folklore Society 2002