The world famous quinquennial Chester Mystery Plays are returning to the city two years early.
Last performed in the nave of Chester Cathedral in 2013. the next production is scheduled for the same venue in 2018, but residents and visitors will be treated to a performance of the Passion on Good Friday.
The performance, on March 25, will be called City Passion and is a joint production by all the churches in Chester, the Chester Mystery Plays and Theatre in the Quarter.
The event was announced at a gathering at St Peter’s Church on January 19 by cathedral canon precentor Jeremy Dussek, chairman of Churches Together in Chester City Centre Peter Speirs, chairman of the Chester Mystery Plays Jo Sykes and artistic director of Theatre in the Quarter Matt Baker.
Jeremy Dussek said: “We are delighted that the Chester Mystery Plays Company, with Matt Baker as artistic director, is taking the lead in producing this event.
“It will be an act of worship, bringing the story of Christ’s Passion to the people of Chester through music, singing and spoken drama - everything that Matt does so well - and we are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of people to the city centre to watch what I’m sure will be a wonderful production!”
Jo Sykes said: “This will be another extraordinary community production.
“There will be some performers that have participated in the mystery plays before, or in Theatre in the Quarter’s joyous shows, but anyone else who would like to join us is very welcome indeed. All you need to do is sign up!”
Matt Baker added: “It’s a relatively short, concentrated rehearsal period. We can accommodate anyone who wants to be in the chorus (which will double up as the crowd) and anyone who would like to play a portable musical instrument - we also have a few acting parts.
“Participants just need to be prepared to perform outdoors, whatever the weather, and to move from the Cross to the West door of the Cathedral via the Town Hall Square.”
The performance will start at the Cross with Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem and the Last Supper. It will then process to the Town Hall Square for Gethsemane and the trial, finishing at the west door of the cathedral with the crucifixion. It will feature Matt Baker’s music from the last three productions of the Mystery Plays.
This will be a free event, suitable for all the family.
The community company will also be joined by Chester’s Roman Soldiers led by centurion Paul Hartson and Karamba Samba.
Anyone over 16 who would like to be involved should email info@chestermysteryplays.com or ring 07813 661949.
Local primary schools will also be involved - children wanting to join in independently would have to be accompanied to rehearsals (and the performance) by parents.
For more information see chestermysteryplays.com
