RESTING between parts is a well-known aspect of many an actor’s life and for many Chester Mystery Plays performers, a break of five years is just long enough.

While this summer’s theatrical extravaganza will showcase a wealth of new talent, devotees of the quinquennial pageant will recognise some familiar faces.

Mary Lewery has been involved since the 1980s and played Gobbet, the narrator’s role, in the 2003 cycle. This time round, she has been cast as the Antichrist in a long forgotten play.

She said: “The Coming of the Anti- Christ is a play that hasn’t been performed for a long while, certainly not since I was first involved in 1987.Š It starts with death and destruction and the antiChrist enters from the belly of a seven-headed beast.Š

“At the end I will be dispatched on a revolving crucifix so I can’t wait to start rehearsing it, with a mixture of excitement and terror!”

Another familiar face will be Nick Fry, who is cast as King Herod in The Trial play. Nick played God in the Creation and Fall in 2003 and wrote and directed a millennium production of the plays which was performed on a traditional pageant wagon in the streets of the city.

Young Adam Gough was just 10 when he played Isaac in 2003. The Catholic High School pupil, who will be 15 on April 8, will take on the weightier role of the young Jesus in the Prophecy.

Former St David’s High School teacher Will Wood is swapping the devilish role of Lucifer in 2003 for the task of portraying the paternal Joseph in the Prophecy and the irresolute Caiaphas in the Fulfilment.

The role of Lucifer will be given a twist with magician Paul Dabek playing evil tricks on the unsuspecting God. Paul was voted Young Magician of the Year by the Magic Circle in 2003.

The good news of Jesus’ birth will be spread by two Mystery Plays stalwarts. Ruth Roberts and comedy partner Vaughan Hughes will be remembered for their hilarious performance as Mr and Mrs Noah in 2003. Now, as shepherds Hankyn and Trowle, the duo will bicker over how best to spread the tidings.

Look out for new and old faces in the roles of gawpers, jugglers, fire eaters and acrobats in a production, directed by Robin Goddard, which is one of the most ambitious yet.