Scenes from Mediaeval Mystery Plays

The Players of St Peter present Scenes from Medieval Mystery Plays (The York Cycle)

The Players of St Peter return to their home in Chalk Farm with the medieval dramas that have become a much-loved Christmas tradition. This year we present scenes from the plays originally performed in the city of York from the middle of the 15th century until their suppression following the Reformation. The popular term 'mystery plays' may refer to 'mysteries' in the sense of the crafts or skills of the trade guilds who originally performed them, but could well apply more generally to the religious subject matter.

The full cycle of 48 plays would last a full day and portray the history of the world from Creation to Last Judgment. Running at around an hour, our selection of scenes demands less stamina from audience and performers. Using drama and music, it starts with a prologue of prophetic announcements of the birth of Christ, which are echoed in the final scene by the expectations of the Magi as they journey to Bethlehem. These frame the central scenes of the Annunciation and Nativity, providing a foretaste of Christmas that is both entertaining and thoughtful.

Admission by donation
Recommended amount: £9 online; £10 at the door; £5 students

Book online www.posp.org.uk/book
Phone reservations 07788 756 745
Covid safety: it may be necessary to limit audience numbers.
Advance booking recommended.

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