Think back to 2018, the last time the Mystery plays were performed in the city. Pre pandemic and the troubling of all our lives, the late Queen and Meghan were best mates and the bins didn’t talk: “They cost millions and they’ve taken money away from other things!!” claimed an angry member of the queue.

Each version of the plays is a new interpretation, with recent runs in 2013 and 2018 adding some contemporary themes to the Bible tales which were first performed in Chester in the late thirteenth century. This time artistic director John Young offers a back to basics traditional interpretation.

Music comes from the hard working Mystery Play veteran Matt Baker. The cast’s flowing robes , angels’ wings and more are from designer Jess Curtis, and an army of volunteer stitchers. With a huge community cast of 200 and countless more backstage, the Plays showcase the best of local performing talent with the added bonus of a cast made up of people you might pass at the bus station or in a checkout queue.

Adam and Eve arrive before God. Pic:  Pamela Raith Photography.

The new style seating arrangement echoes the way the plays were originally performed on the streets. The audience sit either side of the Cathedrals’ knave. This means that wherever you sit you get a good view of something, with the action spread out across the central space, your neck will see some action as the proceedings switch from one side to the next. The orchestra, including the drums of parade favourites Karamba Samba are out of sight behind a Stars in their Eyes-like portal , with a surround sound effect echoing through the historic building via speakers fixed above the audiences heads. Look up too for the raised platform for the actors , as well as the atmospheric corners of the Cathedral itself.

Lucifer played by Sarah France. Pic Pamela Raith photography

An initially conjoined God played by Nick Fry and Becca Patch command the impressive chorus of Angels, only for a cocky and commanding Lucifer (Sarah France) strikes out in an opening scene full of conflict and wonder. The splitting of God into two works when the two actors interact from either side of the stage, particularly in the dreamlike creation scene, with God marvelling at each new arrival to the world.

Moving at pace through the Bible stories, the emotional contrast is clear. With floor shaking acoustics marking the brutal fight between Cane and Abel, to the almost sitcom feel to the Noah family’s Ark discussions .One minute you’re laughing at a moment of audience participation or the comedic shepherds, the next you’re gazing at scenes of horror and violence.

The longer second half covering the life of Jesus has many highlights, the gospel celebration of “He is the Light of the World” is given a contrasting dose of foreboding with the disapproving Establishment watching from the side lines. The gang of sinister women in red robes beating up the captured Jesus was a highly memorable scene, with the madness in their eyes eerily effective. A conflicted Pilate performed by Mark Nelson can’t save Jesus from his inevitable fate with the plays flowing quickly along to the visceral scenes of the crucifixion and Judgment Day.

At the end of the 3 hours I was vowed by the scale of the production and the inventive ways in which you are immersed in the drama (behold the giant snake!) The Mystery Plays offer a unique theatrical experience serving up a cocktail of powerful and emotive stories in spectacular surroundings.

*Contains one use of the S word *

https://chestermysteryplays.com/

Running until the 15th July : https://chestermysteryplays.com/