York Mystery Plays

Brought forth by the York Guilds and Companies

Established

The first recorded performance was in 1376. Performances continued every year for 200 years until suppressed by the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century.

Revived in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, they were performed for many years in the Museum Gardens, with the last production there in the 1980s.

Since 1992 there have been performances of the Plays in the streets of York, both on wagons and as 'processional' plays.

In 1994 the 7 York Guilds and Companies funded and took part in a production on wagons and began to establish a four-yearly cycle of Plays. In 1998 the Guilds again helped fund and facilitate a much larger event.

In 2002,  and again in 2006, to much popular, academic and critical acclaim, the Guilds took full control of a large scale production of the plays on wagons performed on various locations throughout the City.

It is the Guilds' intention to continue with a four yearly cycle of productions.

What happens?

The Plays tell the story of the Bible from Creation to the Last Judgement.

The 2010 Mystery Plays will see  the recreation of twelve of the plays, staged at four sites around the City and following medieval practice, the stage sets are built onto waggons. The waggons are pushed through the streets, stopping at several playing stations, two of these being Dean's Park and Museum Gardens where ticketed seating will be available.

The 2010 Plays will focus on education, experience and the opportunity for ordinary people to become involved with experienced actors to recreate these medieval 'mysteries'.

The plays will be staged from 12noon to 6pm, offer over 100 speaking roles and also incorporate choral music as an integral part of the performances.

Extra events:

The Medieval Murderers: Authors Michael Jecks and Karen Maitland, at Acomb Explore, 7.30pm on Wednesday, 14th July. Then the following night, Thursday July 15th, Medieval Tales: storytelling with Shonaleigh, York Explore, also 7.30pm.

Who will enjoy it?

As great works of literature and drama, The York Mystery Plays have wide appeal.  The various stories within the cycle mean there is interest for all; be it the comedy of The Shepherds visiting the Manger, the domestic goings-on of Mr & Mrs Noah, or the great set-piece dramas of The Harrowing of Hell and The Last Judgement.  Above all these Plays are, as in medieval times, a great community event involving all age groups.

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