The Hognutters Mummers

The Hognutters Mummers play is a short traditional play about Pannage (the historic practice of allowing pigs to roam & forage for acorns in the forest). We follow the story of some hogs, their farmer and their struggles. We are a cast of nine, and usually perform the play with the musical element sung by Brighton Folk Choir.

The play is based on a Sussex Mummers play which incorporates folk songs and was inspired by a traditional script collected in Ovingdean near Brighton. We encourage the audience to participate in the singing and join in with instruments – becoming part of the drama.

Mummers plays were part of English village life and were performed for free as part of seasonal festivities – they were dying out but are now having a revival. We also want to spread awareness and appreciation of traditional English folk music and song.

See us perform, we are next appearing at...
Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green - Info here

3rd May - pop up performances with Brighton Folk Choir

4th May - Grand Procession with Brighton Folk Choir

Hognutters Mummers Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hognutters_mummers/

Brighton Folk Choir Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brightonfolkchoir/

Hognutters Mummers on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@The_Hognutters_Mummers

Our tour fund https://gofund.me/789f7718

Press Coverage:

Sussex Exclusive Magazine online, Spring 2026 https://magazine.sussexexclusive.com/

Folk Archive Magazine: Folk Bestiary Edition, Winter 2025 https://www.instagram.com/p/DRILIlwDj5g/

Feedback on our Performances

For the last couple of years we have worked with the Hognutters at The Mint House and have experienced first-hand the joy and excitement that their mumming play creates. The performances have become the highlight of our winter events and this year we had so many people turn up for them that we were turning some away! The quality of the performance is high, but the humanity and earthiness, together with the excellent choral accompaniment really make it stand out. Our audiences always love it and we are happy to endorse the Hognutters in their further endeavours. Jonathan Seaman, Project Manager, The Mint House

The Hognutters play is a joyful, communal experience that mixes folk choir, performance and mumming and connects with all ages. It taps into a revival of folk culture and customs but brings a new slant and new story to mumming, all done with humour, craft and great costumes! Dr David Bramwell

Our Digital Scrapbook from 2024

For our full story so far, read on here.... https://heyzine.com/flip-book/a21d263145.html

About Mumming Plays

To learn more about Mumming plays - or want to put your own together, like we did, check out these links:

https://www.efdss.org/learning/resources/beginners-guides

https://www.mastermummers.org/erd/ A fantastic and comprehensive website

https://www.mastermummers.org/scripts/ Folk Play Scripts Explorer

https://folkplay.info/ Folk Play Research, the website of the Traditional Drama Research Group (TDRG)

Photo Credits: Jo Goddard, Lucy Bennett, Rachel Rose, David Bramwell.
Group of Hognutters holding branches - Thomas Bowen https://www.instagram.com/gingaplz/

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