01/04/2011

Issued by York Theatre Royal

On 1 April the hottest tickets for 2012 in York go on sale. The York Mystery Plays make a return to the Museum Gardens in a spectacular outdoor production by York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust from the 2 to 27 August 2012. Local Artist, John Smyth was chosen to create the artwork that will promote the York Mystery Plays and today revealed his painting that has been his labour of love for the last four months.

John is based at Bar Lane Studios on Mickelgate and has worked with the theatre on numerous productions. Spokesperson for the theatre, Rebecca Storey commented that "The York Mystery Plays image had to evoke a sense of community and grandeur that this outdoor event will hold for the city. We knew the artist had to be local, so that their passion for the city and understanding of this great tradition would be reflected in the artwork". This will be a co-production by York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust.

From 10am on Fri 1 April you will be able to book your tickets through York Theatre Royal's box office and secure your place at one of the biggest outdoor theatre productions in York's history. A purpose built theatre will transform York Museum Gardens, allowing 1400 audience members to enjoy this spectacle under the summer skies with the beautiful St. Mary's Abbey ruins as the backdrop to this story.  The Mystery Plays have not been produced on this scale at the Museum Gardens since 1988.

Written by Mike Kenny, who also adapted York Theatre Royal's Olivier award-winning The Railway Children, this production will be a new interpretation of the medieval Plays that have been embedded in the City's cultural heritage since the middle of the fourteenth century. From the creation to the last judgement, the history of humanity is one of the greatest stories ever told.

This international event will also celebrate the York 800 City charter birthday and the Cultural Olympiad, and aims to bring thousands of visitors to the city as well as involving over 1000 community members in the actual production. Joining the cast of professional actors, the community ensemble will not only perform on stage but play a key role in the backstage running of this huge event.

A spokesperson from the theatre commented "The medieval Mystery Plays have been told by the people of York for thousands of years so we hope residents will be the first people to purchase their tickets and get involved with the event".

Tickets will range from £12 to £42. To book your tickets call York Theatre Royal box office on 01904 623568 or go online at http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/. There is also a dedicated website for the York Mystery Plays where you can find out more information and register your interest to get involved both onstage and off. Visit http://www.yorkmysteryplay-2012.com/.

ENDS