Details

Tony Harrison's The Mysteries is theatre on an epic scale leading you through the birth, life and death and resurrection of Christ and culminating in the end of the world with Judgement Day. First performed at the National Theatre in the 1970s and 80s, Tony Harrison's The Mysteries are raw, earthy and poetic. The Nativity 2hrs 30mins, The Passion 1hr 50mins, Doomsday 2hrs. Three Promenade Productions: The Nativity, The Passion and Doomsday. In a unique celebration of the Millennium, the National is reviving one of the most famous shows in its history - 'The Mysteries, a great cycle of medieval plays which are part of the foundation of our culture. The original creative team have reunited to present a new version of their epoch-making show, and once again, audiences can mingle with the actors and follow the action in these unforgettable promenade performances. By rooting the plays in a gritty working environment and using contemporary music, Tony Harrison's superb adaptations have reclaimed these seminal works for our times. Each of the three plays is complete in itself, and in sequence, 'The Nativity, The Passion' and 'Doomsday' tell the story from the Creation to the Last Judgment. First performed together in a sell-out run at the National in 1985, before transferring to the West End, 'The Mysteries' met with unanimous acclaim.

Cast/Performers

Peter Armitage, Stephen Bent, David Bradley, Cathryn Bradshaw, David Busby, Sue Johnston, Trevor Laird, John Normington, Robert Oates, Joanna Page, Trevor Ray, Iain Robertson, Jack Shepherd, John Tams, Howard Ward, Don Warrington

Creatives/Company

Author: Tony Harrison
Director(s): Bill Bryden, Frank Nealon (associate)
Design: William Dudley
Music: John Tams
Lighting: Laurie Clayton
Choreographer: David Busby (dances)
Sound: Paul Groothuis