York Mystery Play Interviews

Three Jesus’ share what it takes to play the role of Christ in York’s 1969 Mystery Play production.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of St. Mary’s Abbey ruins, an interviewer quizzes three amateur actors on the challenges of portraying Jesus for the York Mystery Play production in ‘69. With an air of light-heartedness, actors explain the physical and emotional demands of the part of Christ at rehearsals for the epic, outdoor biblical re-enactment. The producer however brings more of a sense of the challenges faced in staging a production of this size and scale.

With evidence of the first pageants dating back to the late 11th century, the York Mystery Plays dramatise the greatest story ever told - from the creation of heaven and earth, the resurrection of Christ to the last judgement. It is a story of good versus evil, of life and death, and of love, betrayal, loss and hope. The performances were revived in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain and, in keeping with the Plays’ heritage, cast members over the last 60 years have traditionally been amateurs drawn from the local community, with just one professional actor. Famous faces over the years have included Dame Judi Dench, Robson Green, David Bradley and Ray Stevenson.