Chester Mystery Plays

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.

Learn more about the plays

Want to help keep the Plays alive?

This incredible community effort has proved to be an amazing experience for so many people, for so many generations. Front of house, behind the scenes, or somewhere in between, if you fancy offering your skills, talents and abilities to the Chester Mystery Plays you will also need commitment and dedication - but the rewards make it all worthwhile.

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Excitement builds for the 2023 Cycle

The next full cycle of the Chester Mystery Plays will be performed in Chester Cathedral from 28 June to 15 July 2023 and we have already started building the team to make these the most spectacular ever. We are delighted that John Young, a native of Chester and graduate of the University of Chester, will be the Creative Director and Matt Baker will be returning for his fifth cycle as Composer and Musical Director for the 2023 Plays.

Keep an eye on this website and sign up for updates ahead of our official launch in Autumn 2022, when we will be calling for actors, stage hands, musicians, stewards, set and costume assistants from the community.

Tickets will go on general release next summer – we cannot wait!

The next full cycle of the Chester Mystery Plays will be performed in Chester Cathedral from 28 June to 15 July 2023 and we have already started building the team to make these the most spectacular ever. We are delighted that John Young, a resident of Chester and who trained on the National Theatre Directors' Course, will be Creative Director and Matt Baker will be returning for his fifth cycle as Composer and Musical Director for the 2023 Plays.