Chester Mystery Plays

The Chester Mystery Plays date from the 13th century and were originally performed by monks as a way of illustrating Bible stories to ordinary people who couldn’t understand Latin services. Later they were performed in the streets by the local guilds people. The plays were banned nationally in the 16th century and Chester was the last city to perform them in 1578.

The modern revival of the Chester Mystery plays started in 1951. The Plays are now performed every 5 years with new scripts to remain current. The plays are performed over a period of two weeks by hundreds of local volunteers including children. For the first time ever, this year the Plays will be performed in the Nave of Chester Cathedral.

They will run from 26th June to 13th July. If you haven’t been before I would recommend it - it is an extraordinary community event with music and colourful costumes, which tells stories from the Creation through to the Final Judgement.

I went with my son in 2008 and we both enjoyed it and will be going again this year. For further information and to book tickets online, go to their website.

Carolyn Frayne