Photo Coverage: Princess Beatrice Visits YORK MYSTERY PLAYS

Princess Beatrice, whose father the Duke of York is one of the Patrons of The York Mystery Plays, visited the plays costume workshop to see some of the 3,000 individual items being made and talk to some of the 60 volunteers who are helping to create the costumes, all inspired by the fashions of the 1940s and 1950s.

A medieval cycle of plays which have been performed by the people of York for hundreds of years, this adaption by Mike Kenny will be directed by Damian Cruden, reuniting the team that brought the Olivier award-wining The Railway Children to life at Waterloo Station. 

Cruden is joined by Paul Burbridge as joint Artistic Director of the 2012 York Mystery Plays which is believed to be the UK’s biggest outdoor theatrical event of 2012. 

Ferdinand Kingsley, who will play both God and Jesus opposite Coronation Street villain Graeme Hawley as The Devil, will be joined by over 1,700 local volunteers comprising the two casts of community ensemble, musicians, choir and crew in the York Mystery Plays which run from 2 to 27 August with press night on 8 August at 7.30pm. 

Telling the story of the cosmic battle between good and evil, from creation to the last judgement, the York Mystery Plays have been performed by the people of York for more than 800 years and are a world-famous part of the city’s cultural heritage. 

The York Mystery Plays are produced by York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust and supported by City of York Council.