York Mystery Plays

York Mystery Plays 2012
02 - 27 August 2012
York Museum Gardens
The medieval cycle of York Mystery Plays has been told by the people of York for hundreds of years and is deeply embedded in the City’s cultural heritage. From the creation to the last judgement, the history of humanity so far is undoubtedly the greatest story ever told. Drawing inspiration from the authentic texts this eternal battle between good and evil forces will be presented on an operatic scale under summer York skies and the brooding cosmos beyond.

In summer 2012 this bold and dynamic new production sees the plays return to York Museum Gardens, for the first time on this scale since 1988. A 1400 seat bespoke theatre is being built around the ancient walls of St Mary’s Abbey to house this international event, which celebrates the York 800 City charter birthday and the Olympics.



Produced by York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust and supported by City of York Council, this new adaptation of the York Mystery Plays is written by Mike Kenny, who adapted York Theatre Royal and the National Railway Museum’s Olivier award-winning production of The Railway Children. Over 1000 local people will join forces with a huge professional team to help create this spectacular production. yorkmysteryplays-2012.com