Question: what do Father Christmas, King George III, Little Billy Whittle and Turkey Snipe all have in common? Answer: they are all characters who feature in a skit performed by Thames Ditton Mummers. And if you live in Claygate, Ham or Thames Ditton, the Mummers should already be a familiar sight at Christmas-time down your local.

The group is made up of five men and two women; only one member lives in Thames Ditton, and the rest hail from London, Thames Ditton, Chessington, Surbiton and Sutton so why the name? Apparently there was a spot near Thames Ditton where the play originated. It was resurrected (it is as old as time) by Tony Smith in 1972 for the Mummers an old name for actor or mime artist.

Every year, round about the time that you and I put up our Christmas trees, the Mummers unearth their gaily-coloured costumes, paint their faces black (they prefer to remain anonymous) and perform for the punters over two weekends.

During the five-minute performance the Mummers depict life and death. John Dunn, the groups co-ordinator, says: Its like a tradition, like Morris men. The script hasnt changed since it started.

Somewhere in the script, which has a pagan theme, is a sword fight, a death and resurrection. A doctor, devil and jester also feature.

John says: All the characters are from way back in time. We havent done anything to it apart from ad-libbing a bit.

We always have the same scripts. Its like Christmas cards at Christmas, just something you do each year.

He describes the play as alternative festive fun which the Mummers do because they simply enjoy it. It is a hobby which is enjoyed over two weekends, for which little or no practice is involved.

John says: Thats the whole point of the play, that its fun to do. If it becomes a chore or hard work or dangerous or boring, we wouldnt do it.

And the response from punters? People responded favourably most of the time.

He says: Its funny, and different. Theres only one Thames Ditton Mummers.

Were in there with a six-minute play, seven characters and buy our own drinks, pass round the collecting tin.

For the fourth year running the Mummers are collecting for the Mayor of Kingstons charities, the Archway Trust and Shooting Star.

Everyone benefits from the shows, especially the punters. John says: The landlord enjoys it.

The customers have to give something but they have something to talk about for the rest of the evening.

Most of the Thames Ditton Mummers are civil servants, council workers or nurses who are dotted around south-west London. The play is an opportunity to see each other once a year.

John is determined the show will go on even though it is harder to find people to take part. He is also honest about reactions to the posters about the play.

He says: Some punters may say That looks good and others may say If we go early we might just miss the Mummers.

By.Shirin Aguiar