Local performance group The March Mummers put on a short play in the town centre earlier this month.

Cambs Times: The March Mummers at Ye Olde GriffinThe March Mummers at Ye Olde Griffin (Image: Archant)

The group who first took their play around town in 2011 started the day at March Library for the Friends coffee morning.

They then moved on to St Peter’s Church Hall to entertain visitors at the Christmas Tree Festival, and finished their lunchtime visits at The Ship.

After a gap of a few hours, the Mummers visited Ye Olde Griffin, George’s, The Acre and made a return visit to The Ship.

Wendy Thompson, of March, who watched the performance at The Acre said: “It was the first time I have seen the play, it was good. I loved the humour.”

The performers this year in order of appearance were Mike Thomas (Jim Jack), Keith Cheale (musician), Maureen James (the Fool), Rodney Crabb (Beelezebub), Marcus Phillips (King George), Stuart Broad (the Doctor) and Steve Cornell (Dame Jane).

They were also accompanied by their collectors Kathy Cornell, Lizzie Owen and Christine Crabb who helped the group to raise £203 for local charity group, Open Door.

The group was formed by Stuart Broad and Maureen James with the aim of recreating the past, having some fun and raising money for charity.

Mummers’ plays were once a common feature in rural areas at Christmas time.

The performers, who were often plough boys, entertained audiences in pubs and big houses, as a way of gaining food, money or drink for the festive season.