Chester Mystery Play aimed at sceptics and gawpers

Jun 14 2008 by Emma Pinch, Liverpool Daily Post

Play aimed at sceptics and gawpers

More about the Chester Mystery Plays

THE Chester Mystery Plays will coincide with two of the original Tudor manuscripts going on display at the town’s Grosvenor Museum.

On loan from Aberystwyth National Libraries and Cheshire Record Office, they belonged to the Guilds who each produced a play linked to their own trade.

The grocers, bakers and millers produced Last Supper, the water leaders and drawers from the Dee were in charge of The Flood, the slaters, tylers, daubers and thatchers produced The Nativity, and the mercers and spicers The Three Kings. The Bellfounders tackled the coming of the anti-Christ ahead of the Last Judgment. Their script is on display in a leather book, and contain lines which would have been spoken by their leading man, like: “Ryse up ye dede men and honures me/ And knoys me for youre lorde.”

Guild records on expenses give glimpses into the 15th-century spectacle. “They list payments for things like storage space for the wagons,” says museum director Susan Hughes. “During the 16th century, players were paid wages according to the significance of the part, and whether the character was required to sing. A real baby was used to represent ‘the little god’ in 1551, and was paid 12d for having his face gilded.”

They also contain stage directions. In the Harrowing of Hell play, they demand “there shall be material light in Hall by some ingenious contrivance”, with a “great material noise”, possibly made by a thunder sheet or box.

They also sent up prominent locals, and poked fun at stereotypes.

“The Shepherd’s play began with contemporary characters from Wales who were guiding their sheep from ‘Conwye to Clyde’,” says Susan. “It has them eating leeks, having mysterious powers, playing boisterous sport and singing.”

The Flagellation of Christ, the other play script on display, was found in a Guild ledger belonging to the fletchers, bowyers, stringers and coopers. It was discovered among a list of apprentice names and notes where they were up to in their apprenticeship in the year of 1599.

THE Chester Mystery Plays take place on Chester cathedral green from Jun 26 – July 19 in two parts. Tickets cost from £11, and can be bought at www.chestermysteryplays.com or from the Box Office on 01244 304 618.

Chester Mystery Plays facts >>>