THE next production of the Chester Mystery Plays may be almost eight months away but next weekend is your last chance to audition to be part of it.

Director Peter Leslie Wild, writer Stephanie Dale and composer and musical director Matt Baker have already met more than 50 people with aspirations to be Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Lucifer or even the Antichrist at casting workshops held last weekend at Chester Cathedral.

Peter said: “We’ve had a fantastic weekend. I was really impressed with the range of talent, enthusiasm and commitment.

“Everyone who comes to the auditions is going to be in the cast but the workshops give us the chance to meet everyone who wants to be in the show, get a sense of their acting range and personality and hear their voices.”

Peter was keeping quiet on whether or not he had found an actor to play Jesus.

“I couldn’t possibly say until I have seen everyone,” he said.

The next batch of workshops and auditions are taking place on Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4.

“There are still a few places left and we are particularly keen to see more men of all ages,” added Peter.

Stephanie Dale’s new script was presented to a packed audience of almost 200 people during the recent Essar Chester Literature Festival.

Chairman of Chester Mystery Plays Jo Sykes said: “This was a very unique occasion because it is the first time a new script has been presented to the public in this way. The response was very positive and we look forward to meeting people again at the casting auditions.”

The Chester Mystery Plays, which are based on stories from the Bible. were written by the monastic scholars of the Abbey of St Werburgh, now Chester Cathedral, six hundred years ago.

They were banned in the 16th century and revived in 1951 to celebrate the Festival of Britain.

The plays have since been performed in Chester once every five years and the 2013 production will take place in the nave of Chester Cathedral for the first time.

To book a place at the casting workshop email info@chesterymysteryplays.com.

Tickets for the 2013 production of Chester Mystery Plays are on sale at www.chestermysteryplays.com or by calling 01244 500959.