The Chester Mystery Plays are making a comeback this year following a five-year hiatus.
A company of more than 300 players, makers and stitchers met for the first time on Sunday (29th January) to begin their preparations for this year’s cycle, which opens in June.
The Chester Mystery Plays are only presented once every five years, and the cast and crew behind this year’s production hail from Cheshire, Staffordshire, Wales and even Buckinghamshire.
Among them are actors, singers, musicians and dancers as well as set, prop and costume makers and a front of house team.
The mystery plays originate in medieval Chester, telling Bible stories as if they took place in Cheshire’s county town.
Director John Young, composer and musical director Matt Baker and designer Jess Curtis welcomed the company and introduced their vision for the UK’s largest regularly-produced community theatre project.
John, who has recently finished a stint as staff director at London’s National Theatre, said: “I woke up today just like it was Christmas morning.
“This production has been years in the planning and it was so wonderful to finally meet the people who are going to tell this story – the greatest ever told.”
The previous Chester Mystery Plays cycle took place in 2018, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chair of the Chester Mystery Plays company, Ian Sanderson said: “It was quite emotional to be able to welcome such a huge community cast, considering the challenges we have all faced over the past three years.
“There were many new faces and it was lovely to see players who have taken part before – it was a joy to behold.”
The Chester Mystery Plays will be performed at Chester Cathedral from 28th June to 15th July 2023.
Tickets are available from the cathedral box office, or via chestermysteryplays.com.
