Chester Mystery Plays

[1] Biblical dramas were being performed in Latin across continental Europe as early as the 10th century dramatizing the events surrounding the birth of Christ.

In the 14th century, vernacular Bible dramas were performed across England for three main reasons: the introduction of the Feast of Corpus Christi, the growing population of towns and municipal governments independent of feudal lords, and the development of trade guilds.

[2] Pope Urban IV created the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264 to celebrate the literal presence of Christ within the bread and wine of the Catholic Eucharist.

The feast occurred on Trinity Sunday between May and June, and priests processed through the streets displaying the “Host” of Jesus which was a consecrated wafer encased within a casket.

Subsequently, the staging of these dramatic performances became increasingly urban and informed from continental Europe by constant trade crossing the channel into England.

[4] The “Host” would be accompanied by a tableau of biblical scenes which represented sacred Christian history which is the origin of the cycle plays.

The Mysteries is an adaption by poet Tony Harrison, principally based upon the Wakefield Cycle, but incorporating scenes from the York, Chester, and N-Town canons.

Engraving depicting an early Chester Mystery Play
The stage for the 2008 Chester Mystery Plays: A view of Cathedral Green which has been taken over for the time being for the production of the 2008 Chester Mystery Plays. This view is from the city walls and the raked seating area is on the right.
During the modern-day Chester Play Festival, people gather around the crowded streets to watch the performance. It is an interactive performance that integrates the actors and the audience into the uplifting street theatre. This festival celebrates the historical plays that formed England's theatre. To this day, people all around celebrate and enjoy the revivals and impressions of Chester Mystery Plays.