Mystery plays were so called because they presented the mysteries of religious faith.
Although mostly drawn from the Bible the plays
also incorporate irreverent local humour,
folklore, legendary material and music.
Many different versions were performed across England during the Middle Ages,
but only four sets of plays have survived more or less complete, including one associated
with the City of Chester.
It is possible to see in the Mystery cycles the root of all English
drama from Shakespeare to Panto!
A complete performance of a cycle of Mystery Plays lasted at least a day
and consisted of around 40 plays, which together tell the Christian story of the world
from Creation to Last Judgement.
Our performances require less stamina from
casts and audience, and present a programme
lasting around an hour and a half featuring
a selection of plays mostly focusing on
the Christmas story.
We preserve the original medieval language
with its rhymes and imaginative use of language, adapted to be understood by modern audiences.
The selection of plays we have chosen this year features the Emperor Octavian
and Sybil the Sage, a pair of midwives, the three Kings (and with luck their dromedaries)
and a traditionally nasty Herod and, of course, Mary and Joseph and assorted angels.
THE PLAYERS OF ST PETER have performed an annual Christmas production
of selections from these Mystery Plays for more than 70 years, originally in a selection of
City Churches, but since 2016 in St Saviour's church, Eton Road, London, NW3.
Despite the religious subject matter of the plays the group is not affiliated
to any particular faith and most of our members take part to enjoy the opportunity
of experiencing this unique art form.
- Thursday 5th December 2024 7:30pm
- Friday 6th December 2024 7:30 pm
- Saturday 7th December 2024 3:00pm & 6:30pm
Booking details will follow closer to the time.