Carnival atmosphere to biblical performances

Jun 20 2008 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

AUDIENCES arriving at the Chester Mystery Plays this summer will be given a sneak preview of what’s to come as street performers welcome them to the city’s quinquennial medieval pageant.

Ellie Robertson, an A-level drama student from Queen’s Park High School in Handbridge, joins 17 members of the main Prophecy and Fulfilment casts to perform street theatre, directed by Natalie Diddams, assistant director of the Mystery Plays.

Written by artistic director of the main plays, Robin Goddard, the three plays of Lucifer, Noah and Cain and Abel are short, comical, contemporary versions of the proper plays.

The performers, which include members of Chester’s Theatre in the Quarter, are Derek Taylor, Jonathon Taylor, Sarra Elliott, Chris Schofield, Hannah Schofield, Mollie Ryan, Beth Kenny, Sam Little, Ronno Griffiths, Brian Pearson, Ieuan Pearson, Peter Burke, Janet Coyle, John Townsend, Chris Mapp, Richard Spillman and Mike Dix.

Brian Pearson, who has provided additional material for the street theatre, said: “The performers will be accompanied through the streets by circus performers, jugglers, stilt walkers, musicians and singers creating a carnival atmosphere.”

The street theatre performers will also present the mini plays at the Minstrel’s Court at St John’s Church in Chester on June 21.

The 2008 Chester Mystery Plays will be performed on the Cathedral Green from June 28-July 19 (previews June 26-27). For details ring 07813 661949 or contact www.chestermysteryplays .com. For tickets ring 01244 304618 or visit the Tourist Information Centre on Town Hall Square.

Turn to The Guide for an interview with Chester Mystery Plays musical director Matt Baker.