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TV legend Patrick Stewart in mystery plays
MAKE it so! Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart is coming back to his native Yorkshire to take on the biggest role of all - as the Voice of God.
The star of stage and screen is one of a celebrity cast set to bring the best of the Bible to life in the English Mystery Plays, to be staged at Monk Bretton Priory near Barnsley next summer.
The event was officially launched at the Priory with the help of comedian and radio presenter Toby Foster, the Bishop of Wakefield the Rt Rev Stephen Platten and the writer John Kelly.
The event will feature the only outdoor mystery plays to be performed anywhere in the UK in 2009, and will be presented by Barnsley's Secret Theatre Company.
The shows will run from June 29 to July 11, and further well-known performers will be signed up in the run up to the two weeks of performances.
Patrick, a renowned Shakespearian actor who has also appeared in Hollywood blockbusters such as the X-Men series, said he was delighted to be involved.
"Mystery plays played an important part in my childhood years in theatre in the north of England and I'm sure they will continue to be an inspiration to young people today," he said.
As is traditional with mystery plays, not all the cast will be stars - also featured will be performers from the Lamproom Theatre, dancers and members of the community.
John Kelly said the event would be very special.
"There's something wonderful, exciting and utterly English about sitting, on a still summer's eve, and watching a couple of hundred performers pick their way through the ruins of an ancient monastery and the most towering drama known to mankind."
Mystery plays are dramas based on scriptural events, usually in the life of Jesus, but they have evolved as secular entertainment for popular consumption.
Tickets will be available from the Lamproom Theatre, Westgate, Barnsley, or by telephoning 01226 321741. Alternatively visit www.englishmysteryplays.com for further information.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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