IF YOU’D like to be a part of next year’s spectacular production of the Chester Mystery Plays now is your chance.

Peter Leslie Wild, artistic director of the 2013 Chester Mystery Plays, and music director Matt Baker will be holding workshops and auditions for actors, musicians and singers in October and November.

“Planning for the 2013 production of the Chester Mystery Plays started the day after the last performance in 2008,” said Jo Sykes, chairman of Chester Mystery Plays.

“But suddenly it all feels very real now that we can invite people along to auditions.”

Peter added: “We had a fantastic series of workshops with local people in November 2011 and February 2012.

“Writer Stephanie Dale has used a lot of the ideas and stories that we heard then in her new script for 2013. It’s very exciting now to be coming back to people with the script and to take the huge next step of holding auditions for what will be a truly amazing production.”

Matt said: “Because the production will be in the wonderful setting of the nave we’ll be able to have more live musicians than we’ve ever had before.

“We’ll therefore be holding a workshop for musicians as well as for people who want to sing in the Mystery Plays choir.”

“Anyone who wants to be involved can be,” added Peter. “Everyone appearing on the stage will be a voluntary, community performer, and we want everyone who wants to take part to be there. No experience is necessary – just enthusiasm and commitment.”

Workshops and auditions for those wanting to act in the 2013 Chester Mystery Plays will be held on October 27 and 28 and November 3 and 4 at Chester Cathedral, while workshops for singers and musicians will be on October 21.

Rehearsals for the production will start in January, with performances taking place in the nave of Chester Cathedral from June 26-July 13.

For full details, including information on how to book an audition time, contact Jane Dawson by emailing info@chestermysteryplays.com. For tickets for the 2013 Chester Mystery Plays, telephone 01244 500959 or visit www.chestermysteryplays.com.