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Reviews
  • a fluid, dreamlike blending of storiesThe Guardian
  • slickly delivered spectacleThe Stage (4 stars)
  • involving, atmospheric performancesThe Observer (4 stars)
  • it leaves its mark on the core of your being. The Reviews Hub (5 stars)
  • a triumph The Reviews Hub (5 stars)
  • a phenomenal production that audiences will want to see again and again Broadway World – (5 stars)
  • Biblical tales brought magnificently to life Chester Chronicle (5 stars)
  • probably the most spectacular, innovative, emotional and exhilarating versions since the stories were first moved inside the Chester Cathedral building Chester Chronicle (5 stars)
  • A phenomenal theatrical experience North West End (5 stars)
  • exciting, entertaining and…… emotionally engaging Northern Soul (4 stars)
  • a thoroughly committed dramatic performanceTheatre Reviews North (4.5 stars)
  • a unique theatrical experienceThe Chester Blog
  • breathtakingly beautiful productionLucy Meacock, Granada TV

The 2023 Cycle has finished

The curtain has fallen (metaphorically, at least) on the 2023 cycle of the Chester Mystery Plays, and what an amazing experience it was for the sell-out audiences as well as the incredible cast, crew and behind-the-scenes helpers - the energy and creativity, community spirit and shear joy of it all has been truly unforgettable. If you came to see the show please do give us your feedback to help us know what worked and what needs improving for the next cycle, when we all get the chance to do it again…

See you in 2028!

2023 Photo Galleries

We were lucky enough to have two talented photographers on board who have taken some amazing shots of the production, and are delighted to make these available for private use.

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Pamela Raith Photography
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David Sejrup Photography

Rehearsals

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Chris Walton
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Mark Nelson

The Chester Mystery Plays are a historic theatrical event presented under professional direction by the people of Chester. Their performance, once every five years, has become a rare and much anticipated highlight of the British arts calendar, attracting people from all over the world. The production is one of the largest community events in the UK featuring hundreds of enthusiasts of all ages among the cast, crew and the support teams working in administration, marketing and front of house.

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2023 News

  • Tim Strafford, Dean of Chester

Dean of Chester wowed by Plays...

A feast to the eyes and to the ears...

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  • Town Crier David Mitchell and Lord Mayor of Chester John Leather after granting permission for the Chester Mystery Plays to be performed.  Picture credit Mark Carline
  • Gregory Black, who told the Lord Mayor he was playing a thief on the cross and 'the bum of the snake' in the Chester Mystery Plays.  Picture credit Mark Carline
  • Members of the Chester Mystery Plays company with the Lord Mayor of Chester John Leather, the Lady Mayoress, Deputy Mayor Sheila Little and Town Crier David Mitchell after the Reading of the Banns ceremony.  L-R Top Row Chairman of Chester Mystery Plays Ian Sanderson, Becca Patch, Gregory Black, Noah Marescaux, André Adams, Middle Row: Deputy Mayor Sheila Little, Lord Mayor of Chester John Leather, Lady Mayoress Heather Leather, Caroline Briggs-Harris, Chris Walton, Front Row: Harriet Briggs-Harris, Joseph Briggs-Harris and Town Crier David Mitchell.  Picture Credit Ian Cooper Photography

Lord Mayor Grants Permission

The Lord Mayor of Chester has officially granted permission to the players of the Chester Mystery Plays to perform at Chester Cathedral this summer...

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Chester Chronicle launches regular CMP column

Great news for the production as local newspaper the Chester Chronicle introduces a new weekly column...

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Cast and crew first get-together

A company of more than 300 players, makers and stitchers met for the first time on Sunday, 29 January to begin preparations to put on the 2023 cycle of the Chester Mystery Plays...

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