what are the mysteries?
York Mystery Plays are a set of 47 medieval plays based on the Christian mythos- from the Creation of the world to the Last Judgement. Originally performed by York's medieval craft guilds, they were resurrected in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain- part of a celebration of the past and future of Britain's craft and technology. Since then, the Plays have been performed in a variety of ways- as epic theatre in the Museum Gardens or the Minster, as medieval pageantry in the streets, and on an intimate scale in  churches and historic buildings.

The original craft guilds performed the plays for a variety of reasons, many of which are still true for modern participants:
  • as a declaration of faith
  • as an advert for their skills (their craft "mysteries")
  • as part in an ongoing heritage
  • as a bonding experience for their community

The modern productions are therefore a partnership of medieval traditions and modern innovations. The medieval carpenters, butchers and saddlers might not recognise some of our modern creations, but the instinct behind them would be familiar.

Many participants (such as Dame Judi Dench) have gone on to become professional theatre-makers. Still more have continued to take part in community theatre, or have taken their newfound skills back to their personal and professional lives. We hope that you too will join the thousands of people who have made the Mysteries.
I am maker unmade,
all might is in me!
Above: The Builders' Creation of the World. Image (c) Allan Harris.

Find out more

Over the years, many organisations have supported the York Mystery Plays. Detailed information can be found at their websites:
York Mystery Plays Archives
York Festivals Trust (including the Waggon Plays)
York Mystery Plays Supporters Trust
Soundscapes of the York Mystery Plays 
York Theatre Royal (Radio Production)