What are the Mystery Plays
- The York Mystery Plays are a medieval cycle of the greatest stories ever told from Creation to the Last Judgment. These plays have been performed by the people of York across the centuries.
- They are gaining an international reputation on the scale of the Oberammergau passion plays.
- In summer 2012, the biblical stories will be retold in a way that resonates with both past and present and appeals to those of religious faith or none.
- The plays will be performed in a covered outdoor theatre in the Museum Garden St Mary’s Abbey from 2-27th August 2012
- Over 1000 local people will help 28,000 visitors and attendees enjoy the plays that were last on show in 2000
- York Mystery Plays are a magnificent example of medieval drama. Using the colourful language of medieval Yorkshire the plays are made up of a number of individual pageants originally presented by the Guilds of Craftsmen for more info read York Mystery Plays
- You will already know York is a great place to visit for a day trip or prolonged stay.
- The Mystery Plays provide another attractive reason to visit during August 2012
- Locals and visitors can book tickets now from this link
Patrons for 2012
HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, Dame Judi Dench, Harry Gration and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, have been announced as patrons of York Mystery Plays 2012.
The Duke of York said: “Having witnessed the enthusiasm and energy created by the York Mystery Plays in 2000, I am delighted to learn that the Plays will be returning to the city in August 2012 and I am honoured to be a patron. I have been impressed by the scale and ambition of the project and how new partnerships have been formed between organisations and businesses across the city. “I am looking forward to seeing for myself what will surely be one of the cultural highlights of 2012.”
The Archbishop says’This is a very exciting project and will provide a wonderful spectacle for the city. As you prepare to tell the story of God at work in Creation and Redemptions, I pray that you will be inspired by majesty of the story, and that others in turn will be encouraged in faith and hope.’