Hundreds of people gathered in the village of Marshfield in Gloucestershire on Boxing Day to watch 'The Marshfield Mummers' play which was performed again after missing several years due to the Covid pandemic.

The ancient tradition is believed to have its roots in the 12th century and was revived in 1930, performed on Boxing Day each year by the Old Time Paper Boys, so-called because of their paper costumes. The play is first performed in the Market Place before being repeated a number of times throughout the village.

The play was never written down, so it has changed over the centuries. Crowds gather to watch as characters including Father Christmas, Doctor Phoenix and Saucy Jack make their way along the town’s main street.

In the performance, Little Man John is killed by King William and brought back to life by the Doctor.

The money they collect from the crowd is donated to local good causes.

Hundreds of people gathered in the village of Marshfield, South Gloucestershire, on Boxing Day morning to watch The Marshfield Mummers Play which was performed again after missing several years due to the Covid pandemic.
The ancient tradition is believed to have its roots in the twelfth century and was revived in 1930, performed on Boxing Day each year by the Old Time Paper Boys, so-called because of their paper costumes. The play is first performed in the Market Place before being repeated a number of times throughout the village.
The play was never written down, so it has changed over the centuries. Crowds gather to watch as characters including Father Christmas, Doctor Phoenix and Saucy Jack make their way along the town’s main street.
In the performance, Little Man John is killed by King William and brought back to life by the Doctor.
The money they collect from the crowd is donated to local good causes.