Swansea Valley mummers tour

We performed the Crwmpyn John Play at pubs in the Swansea Valley on Thursday evening, collecting money for the RNLI, our nominated charity.

The Play has a long history, being performed by youngsters in Godregraig and Ynysmeudwy, from the early C20th until the 1960s. The Valley Folk Club revived it in the early 70s and Swyen's Ey Morris have been performing it annually since the 1980s.

We started in the Millers at Ynystawe, giving two performances to Steve the landlord’s customers. The Butchers at Alltwen was next on the tour where the play was well received. The Gwachel (Pontardawe Inn) was really packed, perhaps too much so for sword fights, but we persisted and managed to deliver the play, much to the delight of folk drinking there.

A quick drive up to the Chameleon in Ystradgynlais saw a welcoming crowd who enjoyed the play and our final performance was given in the Wern Fawr at Ystalyfera where there was a small group to watch us which included Jane who was our musician for many years. Our current musicians, Siân, Di and Keith performed festive carols and tunes at the end of each performance. Photos by Alison.