Review: The Chester Mystery Plays 2023

Words by Angela Ferguson and photos by Pamela Raith Photography

Has it really been five years since the last cycle of the Chester Mystery Plays?

Time flies when you’re in a city with a history spanning 2000 years. And so here we are again, well into the run of the 2023 cycle of this slice of Chester’s incredible heritage.

The Mystery Plays are very special, indeed. For Chester, they are far more than just a tradition or a piece of theatre.

They are a shining example of community – and how people from all walks of life can come together, forget their troubles for a few hours and forge bonds which endure way beyond the metaphorical curtain coming down on the show.

Now I have to hold my hand up here and say I was fortunate enough to be a part of the wonderful 2018 cycle. It’s fair to say I made friends for life and got a great big confidence boost in setting foot on stage in front of so many.

There’s something really rather magical about the Chester Mystery Plays – something that goes way beyond the dazzling lights and performances of all of those involved.

As my dear and much-missed friend Sarah Dyne, who played Eve in the 2018 cycle said, the Chester Mystery Plays are life changing for those who take part.

She was a wise woman and these words will always stay with me. This time round, I’ve been able to enjoy watching the Mystery Plays as an audience member.

And it’s such a thrill to be able to witness this spectacle and the magic it spreads across cast, crew and audience alike.

Chester Cathedral itself is one of the stars of the show. Its quiet majesty is something to behold, especially as we see new life breathed into this epic story by the people of Chester and beyond.

The passion amongst all involved is clear, with artistic director John Young imbuing this cycle with his bold vision which includes a nod to the Mystery Plays being performed on the streets of the city. There’s also some pretty darned slick movement woven through this, with the cast working together to transport the audience on a fantastic and at times harrowing journey through the stories of the Bible.

The traverse stage is like a catwalk running between the audience on either side along the length of the nave. It’s thrilling to be so close to the action as actors race past or stand seemingly within touching distance. The only slight issue here is that when we needed to lean forward to see the action at the other end of the nave we were conscious of not wanting to block the view of our neighbours.

The staging and set is inspired by Klimt, with gold and richness and a huge archway of rays of sunshine beneath a towering platform from which our male and female Gods watched over proceedings.

The glorious staging may be golden but the real treasure here is the power of community theatre to bring people together and change lives.

This timeless telling of the biblical story of the power of love and hope in a sometimes frightening world endures and is enthralling the 2023 audiences judging by the feedback we’ve heard and read.

And it is all underscored by a beautiful and at times haunting soundtrack from the hugely talented Matt Baker and his musicians and chorus. It feels ethereal and heavenly at times, particularly in this majestic and glorious setting.

Now, I won’t single out any particular cast or crew members as I think they have all worked their socks off to produce a superb production. They truly have poured heart and soul into this epic take on the Mystery Plays.

One thing it would be remiss of me not to note is that I wish the phenomenally talented musicians, chorus and soloists had been visible rather than behind the scenes. That really would have been the icing on the cake.

They were a key element to this epic production, which has attracted rave reviews since opening on 28 June.

We are blessed to have the Mystery Plays here in Chester and long may they continue, with future generations taking their place as the future Adam and Eve, heavenly angels or devilish actors in the cycles to come.

I feel a huge thank you needs to go to the incredible volunteers who have given up their time to be the stitchers and makers, helping to produce the stunning costumes and set. The front of house team have also done a superb job in welcoming and looking after the audience during this very busy time up until the curtain comes down for the final time on Saturday, 15 July.

We’re so blessed to have the Mystery Plays as part of our rich heritage in Chester.

It gives people a chance to come together to be a part of something truly breathtaking and magical. Some are veterans of the stage while for others it’s a slightly terrifying yet thrilling leap into the unknown as they perform in this world-renowned production.

And I bet they have all made friends for life. I hope the audience enjoyed the chance to chat to fellow audience members and cast and crew too. It’s such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere inside the cathedral.

And I love to think that for the audience as well as cast and crew, it leaves them walking away with a little spring in their step and feeling a little bit closer to the warm, kind and caring community that abounds here in Chester.

In an age when many are feeling isolated or anxious, that can only be a good thing.