The Plays
Forty-eight scripts make up the existing York Mystery Plays. For 2026, we are aiming for eleven core plays plus further extracts to tell the story from The War in Heaven to Doomsday.
The Plays return to the city streets on Sunday 28th June and Sunday 5th July 2026.
There will be two twilight performances in the Market on Tuesday 30th June and Wednesday 1st July 2026
There is also a special performance of the Journey to Calvary on Saturday 4th July at 2pm at The Bar Convent, Blossom Street. This coincides with the Exhibition of the recently discovered Arma Christi manuscript which describes Christ’s journey to Calvary
The War in Heaven
In the 2026 cycle, this play will be brought forth by Laura- Elizabeth Rice and HIDden Theatre with the cast of volunteers, all working with and on behalf of the Gild of Freemen.
To find out more about the play, the guild and the stagecraft take a look at our news and chat page: https://www.yorkmysteryplays.co.uk/introducing-war-heaven/
The Creation
The York Guild of Building. Directed by Janice Barnes-Newton
The Fall of Adam and Eve
Performed by The Lords of Misrule for The Company of Merchant Taylors. Directed by Tomasina Cass
Noah and the Flood
Performed by St. Lukes Church. Directed by Mike Tyler and Lynn Comer
The Shepherds
Directed by Pip Cook with a cast of Waifs and Strays for The Company of Cordwainers
The Massacre of the Innocents
Performed by D Space Ukrainian Theatre Company for The Build of Scriveners.
The Crucifixion
Performed by York Settlement Community Players on behalf of The Company of Butchers. Directed by Maurice Crichton
The Journey to Calvary
Performed by York Mystery Plays Supporters’ Trust. Director Paul Toy
The Resurrection
The Coronation of Mary (fragment)
Doomsday
Ravens Morris and Haigha for The Company of Merchant Adventurers. Director Alan Heaven