ACTORS, singers, dancers and backstage crew interested in being part of the Chester Mystery Plays next year are invited to attend an event on March 8.

Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Eleanor Johnson, will formally launch the 2013 cycle at 7.30pm in the refectory of Chester Cathedral.

Chairman of Chester Mystery Plays Jo Sykes said: “We’ve been working on the 2013 production since the 2008 production finished, and this is our chance to let everyone know what’s coming next year.

“Our artistic team will all be there: artistic director, Peter Leslie Wild; writer Stephanie Dale; composer and music director Matt Baker; designer, Judith Croft; production manager, Peter Herbert and sound designer, Peter Nash.

“Peter Wild and Stephanie have already run some very successful workshops, producing fabulous ideas for the new script.”

Project manager Jane Dawson added: “We already have over 150 people signed up as volunteer performers, front of house, marketing and production people and this is a great chance for people to come along, meet us all and sign up for this amazing community experience. ”

Chester’s original 24 Mystery Play texts form the most complete cycle in existence. Written in the early 14th century by the monastic scholars of the Abbey of St Werburgh (now Chester Cathedral) they were produced regularly by local guilds until the late 16th Century. They were revived in the 1950s and have been produced at least every five years since.

For the first time ever, the 2013 production will be performed in the nave of Chester Cathedral in a single three-hour performance from June 26 to July 13 next year.

Tickets are already on sale from 01244 500599 or via www.chestermysteryplays.com.