York Mystery Plays
The York Mystery Plays originated in medieval times; and were produced by the Guilds at the behest of the City Council on a day in midsummer, on the feast of Corpus Christi, the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. Around 50 Plays, each telling a story from the Bible, were enacted from waggons, drawn in turn at several stations in the City Streets. The Reformation put a stop to the Plays in York as well as other cities such as Chester and Coventry.
The Waggon Plays take place every 4 years and the Merchant Taylors Company present one of 12 plays in collaboration with All Saints School drama students at the invitation of the Company. Members of the Company build the set on the Waggon and the students of All Saints perform the play. The next York Mystery Plays are scheduled to take place in July 2010.