PRESS RELEASE
September 2016
Countdown!
Earlier this year, Chester was treated to an astonishing Passion play on
Good Friday, directed by Matt Baker and produced by Chester Mystery
Plays. The company is now turning its thoughts to the next main
production which is now just under two years away in 2018, and is
delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale.
"It may seem like a long way ahead, but we have regular visitors from far
flung places that like to plan trips to the UK around our productions,"
explained Jo Sykes, Chairman of the Chester Mystery Plays. "And the two
years will fly by very quickly for us now - this is a very important
milestone for us.
"We listened to what people said to us in 2013 about ticket prices, and
have held our top price at the 2013 level and removed the premium for
Friday and Saturday evenings so that ticket prices for all (non-preview)
performances are the same. We also still have two reduced price
previews. Ticket income is by far our largest source of income - we are
extremely grateful to all our sponsors and supporters (including Cheshire
West and Chester Council), but without generating sales we simply
couldn't put the Plays on."
The 2018 production of the world-renowned Plays will again take place
in the nave of Chester Cathedral. "We welcomed the Plays inside the
nave for the first time in 2013 and are delighted that they will be
returning again in 2018. It's a marvellous opportunity to bring these
glorious texts, created within our walls in the 14th century, to life bringing community and church together," commented Vice Dean of
Chester Cathedral, Peter Howell-Jones.
Leading members of the artistic team from 2013 are returning for the
2018 production - Peter Leslie Wild, the artistic director of the 2013
production and Matt Baker composer and music director. They are
joined this time by writer Deborah McAndrew and designer Dawn
Allsopp.
"We'll reveal more information about the team very soon," Jo Sykes
continued. "I'm thrilled that Peter and Matt are working with us again
and am very excited about Deborah and Dawn bringing their vision to
the Plays as well. 2018 can't come fast enough!"
- Ends For more information contact Jane Dawson on 07813 661949 /
[email protected].
Notes to editors:
The Chester Mystery Plays run from June 27 to July 14 2018. Tickets are
on sale from 01244 500959 or via www.chestermysteryplays.com or
www.chestercathedral.com.
To register interest in being involved with the plays email
[email protected]
The Chester Mystery Plays were first written in the 14th century by
monks of the Abbey of St Werbugh (now Chester Cathedral). The 24
Chester plays form the most complete cycle in existence. They were
produced regularly by local guilds until the late 16th century. They were
revived in Chester in 1951 and have been produced at least every five
years since.
Photo by Neil Kendall from 2013 production of Chester Mystery Plays