Mystery plays ready to take to the Cathedral stage

Jul 16 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

OLD traditions meet 21st- century attitudes in the five-yearly Chester Mystery Plays this weekend, your last chance to catch this spectacular pageant.

The dramatic, colourful event unfolds on a specially-built stage in the gardens of Chester Cathedral. It features 200 actors, music and special effects to depict Bible stories including the Crucifixion and Judgement Day in a tradition going back to the 14th century.

The Plays were originally designed to teach non-literate parishioners about the Bible and first acted out by monks and later city’s guilds on wagons that rolled round the streets.

In 2008, and as it has done every five years since 1951, Chester Mystery Plays Ltd are staging their pageant – on a somewhat grander scale to those of the originals – over two consecutive nights, with groups of plays divided into The Prophesy and The Fulfilment.

For musical director Matt Baker, the project has become something of a labour of love.

“I’m based in Chester and have always had an interest in what happens here,” he explains.

“I was originally an actor and I was honoured to be asked to be musical director for the 2003 cycle and, again, this year.

“This is probably the largest community event in the UK, with over 500 people involved who are all really enthusiastic about what they do,” adds Baker. “It is an absolute visual feast, with a set that comes into its own as night draws in with the Cathedral looming behind and all the lights on it.

“It really is an awesome experience and, musically, I know people are going to go away humming the tunes. Hopefully it will make their hair stand on end at times.”

THE Chester Mystery Plays, at Chester Cathedral, until July 19. For more information visit www.chestermystery plays.com.