York Castle Museum

York Mystery Plays 2012

The mystery unveiled

2 - 27 August, York Museum Gardens
Written by Mike Kenny, Directed by Damian Cruden & Paul Burbridge

How to book, how to get involved and more information at www.yorkmysteryplays-2012.com

The medieval cycle of York Mystery Plays has been told by the people of York for hundreds of years and is deeply embedded in the City's cultural heritage.

From the creation to the last judgement, the history of humanity so far is undoubtedly the greatest story ever told.

In summer 2012 the plays return to York Museum Gardens for the first time on this scale since 1988.

St Mary's Abbey ruins in York Museum Gardens

The production will celebrate York 800, the 800th anniversary of the granting of York's city charter, plus the Cultural Olympiad.

A 1,400-seat bespoke theatre is being built around the walls of St Mary's Abbey and over 1,000 local people will join forces with a professional team to help create a spectacular event.

Produced by York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust and supported by City of York Council, the new adaptation of the York Mystery Plays is written by Mike Kenny, who adapted York Theatre Royal and the National Railway Museum's Olivier award-winning production of The Railway Children.

Latest News

Visit The Story So Far for the latest news from the York Mystery Plays team.

History

In 1998 the modern day Guilds known as the York Guilds and and Companies began a four-yearly cycle of the Mystery Plays produced, as their forefathers once did, on wagons around the city streets of York. Their next production will be during the summer of 2014. For more information visit www.yorkmysteryplays.co.uk

A Mystery Plays archive was created as part of the 2000 production in York Minster and can be found at www.yorkmysteryplays.org

With thanks to...

"The Shepherd Group is delighted to support the revived production of the York Cycle of The Mystery Plays in the spectacular setting of the Museum Gardens.

This production is set to be one of the highlights of 2012, for York and for many visitors to the city."

"The Feoffees of Spurriergate are pleased to be able to support the return of York Mystery Plays next summer, as we believe they will be of immense benefit to the people of the city.

The plays are of great historical value to York and we hope that by supporting the community aspect of the production, people from all walks of life will be encouraged to take part as one of the thousand volunteers needed."