York Castle Museum

Watch this film of the entire cast of the Mystery Plays getting together for the first en-masse read-through of the script

The story so far...

Facts and figures
April, 2012

The scale of the production becomes clear with some detailed number-crunching:
The stage for this production will be 357 square metres. 3,250 individual items of costume will be used at each performance, having used over 2,300 metres of thread to make them. 1,400 metres of cabling - from the ground to the top of York Minster 19 times – will be used. 3,000 items have been borrowed from top hats to sewing machines and to date 1,500 volunteers have been enlisted who would fill 17 double decker buses.

First read through at York Theatre Royal
15 April

The entire two casts of the York Mystery Plays gathered at York Theatre Royal for the first read-through of Mike Kenny's script. More than 550 volunteer actors are involved. A busy rehearsal schedule begins shortly afterwards.

Costume appeal
March, 2012

An appeal goes out for 1950s second hand clothing as it is revealed that the plays will be performed in costumes from this decade of the 20th century.

Final Auditions a Great Success
February 2012

The final auditions take place. During the course of the auditions an amazing total of over 600 talented local people come forward! The casting process is now taking place, and will be finalised in the next few weeks.

More than 1,000 volunteers are recruited
January 2012

Around 700 people want to act in the plays and another 500 have come forward to take on other roles including prop building, front-of-house, photography, make-up, set making and singing.

HRH the Duke of York becomes a patron
November 2011

The Duke of York gives his backing to the York Mystery Plays saying: "Having witnessed the enthusiasm and energy created by the York Mystery Plays in 2000, I am delighted to learn that the Plays will be returning to the city next year and I am honoured to be a patron.

"I have been impressed by the scale and ambition of the project and how new partnerships have been formed between organisations and businesses across the city.
“I am looking forward to seeing for myself what will surely be one of the cultural highlights of 2012."

Main part audition dates announced
October 2011

Producer Liam Evans-Ford releases the dates for the first auditions for the main parts in the plays. Dates fixed for the middle of November at venues around the city of York!

For full details visit the York Mystery Plays website auditions page.

New film looks ahead to spectacular summer for York
October 2011

The key players behind next year's York Mystery Plays come together to talk about the significance of the production for the city, its residents and visitors in a new short film (below).

Archbishop of York excited to become patron
September 2011

The Archbishop of York

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, becomes another patron of the York Mystery Plays to the delight of the team.

He said: "This is a very exciting project and will provide a wonderful spectacle for the city. As you prepare to tell the story of God at work in Creation and Redemptions, I pray that you will be inspired by majesty of the story, and that others in turn will be encouraged in faith and hope."

Harry Gration lends support
July 2011, Great Yorkshire Show

Look North presenter and York resident Harry Gration is another of our patrons and gives an upbeat message of support as York Theatre Royal and York Museums Trust promoted the Mystery Plays 2012 at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Watch his message of support here.

Community Launch Night
18 July, 2011

Andrew Morrison

York Theatre Royal hosts a launch night for leaders of the community, offering an insight into plans for 2012, information on how to get involved and a chance to meet the team behind the scenes.

Our own head curator Andrew Morrison talked about the medieval period, showing artefacts from the Yorkshire Museum and Janet Barnes, our chief executive, and Liz Wilson, chief executive of York Theatre Royal, introduced the evening.

Also there were writer Mike Kenny, directors Damian Cruden and Paul Burbridge, as well as many supporters, volunteers and enthusiasts.

Two Planks and a Passion
1 - 16 July, 2011

Two Planks and a Passion gets the ball rolling by recruiting members of the community to act alongside professionals from York Theatre Royal and the Riding Lights Theatre. The play told the hilarious story of what happened in 1392 when King Richard II came to York to see the Mystery Plays.

Judi Dench sends message of support
June, 2011

Judi Dench plays Mary in an earlier production of the Mystery Plays

Mystery Plays patron York-born Dame Judi Dench sends this message of support:

"Having performed in the York Mystery Plays three times, I know the excitement that these events bring to the people of York and the important place they hold within the city’s history. When I heard the Mystery Plays were returning to Museum Gardens and the scale and ambition which York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust have for this production, I was honoured to be asked to become patron.

"I urge you to get involved with the York Mystery Plays 2012 and experience the magic of creating theatre with your own community. It is something I will always remember."

New Community Producer appointed
26 January, 2011

Liam Evans-Ford is appointed as the Community Producer for this exciting project. Liam's role will involve working closely with community groups across the region as well as engaging with new individuals over the next two years to develop a strong team of both onstage and offstage volunteers.

The Mystery Unveiled
5 November, 2010

A partnership comprising Riding Lights Theatre Company, York Theatre Royal and York Museums Trust, working together with the City of York Council are delighted to confirm that the Mystery Plays will be returning to the York Museum Gardens in August 2012.