The Plays
The Chester Mystery Plays form a spectacular festival presented mainly by members of the local community under professional direction. This rare Chester production has become a much anticipated highlight in the British arts calendar, attracting people from all over the world. One of the largest community events in the UK, hundreds of enthusiasts of all ages from throughout the area make up the cast, crew and the support teams working in administration/marketing and front of house.
The Chester Mystery Plays are performed in Chester every five years, with the most recent production being in 2008 in the grounds of Chester Cathedral and the next full production being planned for 2013, to be held in the Cathedral nave.
A Brief History
Mystery Plays were created all across Europe from the 13th century as a means of celebrating the stories of the Old and New Testaments for the Feast of Corpus Christi. Other famous Mystery Play “Cycles” in England were written in Coventry, York and Wakefield. The scripts, as in the case of the Chester Cycle, were often written by medieval monks. Originally performed inside the churches (as planned for Chester in 2013), from the 14th century they were produced by Crafts Guilds and performed in the open streets and market places on pageant carts ("waggons"). Performed by local people, both scripts and performances changed each year to remain current and have popular appeal.
The production of the Plays, so important to the local community, was suppressed in, and following, the Reformation and the last recorded performance prior to the 20th century revival was in 1575.
Click Here for More History >
The Chester Mystery Plays form a spectacular festival presented mainly by members of the local community under professional direction. This rare Chester production has become a much anticipated highlight in the British arts calendar, attracting people from all over the world. One of the largest community events in the UK, hundreds of enthusiasts of all ages from throughout the area make up the cast, crew and the support teams working in administration/marketing and front of house.
The Chester Mystery Plays are performed in Chester every five years, with the most recent production being in 2008 in the grounds of Chester Cathedral and the next full production being planned for 2013, to be held in the Cathedral nave.
A Brief History
Mystery Plays were created all across Europe from the 13th century as a means of celebrating the stories of the Old and New Testaments for the Feast of Corpus Christi. Other famous Mystery Play “Cycles” in England were written in Coventry, York and Wakefield. The scripts, as in the case of the Chester Cycle, were often written by medieval monks. Originally performed inside the churches (as planned for Chester in 2013), from the 14th century they were produced by Crafts Guilds and performed in the open streets and market places on pageant carts ("waggons"). Performed by local people, both scripts and performances changed each year to remain current and have popular appeal.
The production of the Plays, so important to the local community, was suppressed in, and following, the Reformation and the last recorded performance prior to the 20th century revival was in 1575.
Click Here for More History >
The Modern Revival
The Chester Mystery Plays were revived in 1951, as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations. A full scale production has been produced more or less every five years since, with “miniature” productions of individual plays now being mounted as part of Chestival, a six week summer festival. In 2010, Noah’s Flood was produced and the 2011 production (from 17 – 19 June 2011) will be Creation.
Chester Mystery Plays Limited, a company with charitable status, was formed in the 1980s with the sole aim of ensuring the active survival of the plays. Current chairman is Jo Sykes, company secretary Ian Sanderson, financial director Edward Austin.
The Chester Mystery Plays were revived in 1951, as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations. A full scale production has been produced more or less every five years since, with “miniature” productions of individual plays now being mounted as part of Chestival, a six week summer festival. In 2010, Noah’s Flood was produced and the 2011 production (from 17 – 19 June 2011) will be Creation.
Chester Mystery Plays Limited, a company with charitable status, was formed in the 1980s with the sole aim of ensuring the active survival of the plays. Current chairman is Jo Sykes, company secretary Ian Sanderson, financial director Edward Austin.
