Boxing Day
Traditionally Morris Dancing is associated with May and the old Whitsun Holiday. However most teams do dance on Boxing Day. Greensleeves are no exception. Whilst it may be true that we are just removing the excesses of the day before, these outings actually commemorate Boxing Day in 1899. In that year, on a very cold day, in Headington, a scholar was staying at a friend's house. The local builders were unable to work because of the snow on the ground and they therefore decided to earn some money by dancing at some of the large houses. The scholar was Cecil Sharp, a man who did more than anyone to revive the Traditional Dances of England that were dying out. The dancers were the Headington Quarry Morris Men.
For the last few years we have revived a Mummer's play. The origin is obscure, suffice to say that it entails death, cross-dressing, virgins, and a bit of dance amongst other things.
Expected Programme
The Greensleeves Mummers Play will be performed as part of the show at the last two stops.
11.15 Private show at Rosemary Lodge, The Drive (off the Ridgeway) Wimbledon
12.15 The Rose and Crown, Wimbledon, SW19 5BA
13.15 The Crooked Billet/Hand in Hand, Wimbledon, SW19 4RQ