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Historic Manx folk theatre makes seasonal comeback

James FellIsle of Man
News imageBrook Wassall Two people dressed in white uniforms decorated with colourful paper look at each other - one is holding sword props. Onlookers gather on the road and pavements, with shop signs and Christmas lights in view.Brook Wassall
The White Boys performance includes a dramatic sword dance

A centuries-old Christmas folk theatre tradition will return to towns and villages across the Isle of Man this festive season.

The White Boys, named for the costumes on display, will perform across several Manx locations on Saturday.

Here's everything you need to know about this year's performances.

News imageBrook Wassall Five people dressed in white costumes decorated with colourful paper strips surround a dancing lady in the middle wearing a bowler hat, a dark blazer and trousers Brook Wassall
Entertainers dress in white with coloured ribbons, tinsel, beads and tall paper hats

What is The White Boys tradition?

The White Boys is a form of 'mumming' - a traditional folk play performed during the festive season.

The performance itself comprises a band of entertainers dressed in white with coloured ribbons, tinsel, beads and tall paper hats who roam the streets asking: "Who wants to see The White Boys act?"

A drama is then staged, where onlookers will witness a knightly battle, the death of the hero and a resurrection by the "Doctor".

The show also includes a carol and a dramatic dance, ending with swords locked into a star shape.

"The White Boys is one of the most riotously joyous Manx traditions and it's going from strength to strength as audiences grow," said James Franklin, online and educational resources officer at Culture Vannin.

News imageBrook Wassall An actor wearing a white uniform with colourful strips and a horned hat sits on the ground holding a toy sword with onlookers sitting on benchesBrook Wassall
The popularity of The White Boys was boosted in the 1970s by folk revivalists and groups

The earliest printed script dates back to 1832, credited to the Douglas White Boys in the Manx Sun newspaper.

Eyewitness accounts from 1838 describe groups of white-clad youths visiting homes, performing improvisations and collecting donations afterwards.

The White Boys subsequently became a widespread and celebrated custom, like Hunt the Wren, and while its popularity dipped in the 20th Century, it never disappeared.

It was revived in the 1970s by folk revivalists and groups, with the tradition now maintained by modern troupes touring towns like Peel, Ramsey and Castletown in December.

News imageBrook Wassall A group of people wearing white costumes decorated with colourful strips hold prop swords above their heads. There is also one lady wearing a bowler hat, dark suit and holding a suitcase. They are all smiling and posing for the camera and are standing outside on a pavement.Brook Wassall
The tradition will return to towns and villages across the Isle of Man this festive season

How to watch a performance

Two groups will be performing The White Boys at the following locations on Saturday 20 December:

  • 10:00 GMT: Port St Mary, outside the Co-op (Southern Whiteboys)
  • 10:00 GMT: Castletown Square (Peel White Boys)
  • 10:45 GMT: Port Erin Railway Station - by the Whistlestop Cafe (Southern Whiteboys)
  • 11:00 GMT: Ramsey, outside the courthouse (Peel White Boys)
  • 11:30 GMT: Colby, by the Spar/Colby Glen Hotel (Southern Whiteboys)
  • 12:00 GMT: Peel, Michael Street (Peel White Boys)
  • 12:15 GMT: Castletown Square (Southern Whiteboys)
  • 13:30 GMT: Peel, Michael Street (Southern Whiteboys)
  • 16:00 GMT: Peel, Black Dog Pizza, East Quay (Peel White Boys)

Culture Vannin notes that times or locations are subject to change, so it is best to check here for any updates.

There will also be a performance at Peel Cathedral on 3 January s part of an Oie'll Verree event.

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