Jane Dawson reports after filming for the Chester Mystery Plays
CHAOS was the order of the day last week when the Antichrist play was rehearsed for the first time.
And at the same time, the Mystery Plays administration machinery was in full flood with hundreds of emails and phone calls to confirm the casting and rehearsal arrangements for the 120 children and young people who will join the adult cast and choir after the half term holiday.
Director Peter Leslie Wild said: “It’s been as hard a task casting the children and young people as it was the adults.
“There was so much talent that shone through in acting and singing workshops – I was really impressed by the young people’s energy and enthusiasm.
“As well as those with lines, there will be about 30 or so animals going onto the ark in every performance and there are loads of other opportunities for big groups to be on stage, such as in Creation.”
Music director Matt Baker added: “There’ll also be a lot of singing for the children’s chorus.
“I’m writing plenty of new music for them. I’m expecting a really fantastic sound when we start rehearsing.”
The young people are being organised into two groups, Sun and Moon, with each group doing half the performances each. Children’s officer Julie Elston said: “All the children will be attending the same rehearsals, though, so it will be very busy.”
Tickets for the 2013 production of Chester Mystery Plays are on sale at www.chestermysteryplays.com 01244 500959.
