Mumming shows are a simple structure that can be used to readily develop a wide variety of entertainment. They are medieval in origin based on the archetypes of clown, hero, heroine, villain, doctor (& perhaps doctor's assistant). Each of these characters can readily be translated into a modern day character (drunk, racing driver hero, racing driver villain, feminist girl friend, mechanic respectively). They can also be transformed beyond recognition. In 1995 one mumming group became a trio of nuns who titled themselves 'The Brides of Brock'. They performed in pubs, at the race ball, in the pits at the race and in the streets, and have promoted issues ranging from enjoy drink in moderation to safe sex.

Principle contrast and conflict.
Principle levels: physical, visual, vocal, emotional.

Form:
All is done directly to the audience. Ideally the circle is used as it allows maximum audience, but this often changes into a semicircle. Rhyming couplets form the basis of the dialogue as this helps characters remember lines and improvise. It also helps an outdoor crowd hear because they know the rhymes have to be completed.

A clown figure leads a musical, acrobatic parade of the characters and enters to clear the space, making contact with the audience and initiating laughter through business.

Beginning with the clown the characters introduce themselves to the audience through a boast about how brave, strong, beautiful, desirable, skilful etc they are. The hero then woos the heroine. The villain then woos the heroine. The hero and the villain fight. One is slain. Disaster is imminent because of the death.

The doctor is called and through some device revitalises the dead. The day is saved, money is gathered for the good luck of the year, there is a final blessing and they all parade away with music.

The show would last 15 - 20 minutes.

Each year three or four of these shows were made with characters drawn from contemporary Australia. Each show was performed three or four times between 10am and 3.30pm. The characters then joined the grand parade. The characters might also appear in other street processions or as puppets in a puppet booth. Information contained in the plays were based on research undertaken by students into the race weekend from car magazines, interviews with race fans, drivers and officials, and newspapers.

Sometimes they were also performed in pubs. Music was also available for use in strolling bands and in the Grand Parade.

These shows would always attract and hold an audience.

Principle pick up elements of a story elsewhere: in a puppet show, in a stiltwalking character, in a song, in a banner design.

Principle it does not matter if people don't put the whole picture/story together so long as they get the sense of a pattern underlying it all.
Principle fill the air above people's heads with images, banners, flags, windsocks, pennants, bunting, fireworks, smoke, vaulting figures etc.

S A F E T Y
The practical work involved in devising celebrations requires the occupational health and safety practices associated with the visual and performing arts. Always put safety first.