I looked at the Act itself. Mumming clearly falls within the definition of a play given in the Act.

Morris dancing is specifically exempt. The section is headed "morris dancing, etc" but it is specific that this is for dancing. As the courts will interpret the act on the normal English meaning of the words used I can't see us getting away with mumming under this clause (we don't dance).

Also I can't see that bursting into a pub and performing a short play will be seen by the courts as purely for our enjoyment. Pushing the point a bit.

We can twist words and look for loop holes but in the end it is a judge's interpretation of the words that counts - and you better be pretty sure that he will read it the same way you do.

The only safe way for us, that I can see, is the "temporary event" route as we only perform once a year. Or for the Minister of State to use his powers and make us exempt :-)

HAppy Christmas,

Bob