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YORK MYSTERY PLAYS

Sunday 11th and Sunday 18th July 2010

The Mercers' Pageant of The Last Judgement

 The final play in the cycle, The Last Judgement or 'Doomsday' performed by Pocklington School

 

The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York have many traditions, one of which is to present the final play, 'The Last Judgement' in the historic York Mystery Plays.

The plays were originally performed by the Crafts or Mysteries of York on the day of Corpus Christi in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. These plays were historically supported and 'brought forth' by the York Guilds and Companies and were presented and performed by the citizens of York on waggons drawn through the streets of York. The plays are based on stories told in the Bible and start with 'The Creation' and conclude with 'The Last Judgement'.

Originally there were up to 48 pageants that were presented in a cycle, now there are 12 plays which move around four different stations in York starting at Dean's Park and then to: College Green, St Sampson's Square and the Eye of York (first week) and Museum Gardens (second week). The plays are now put on every four years and are shown over two weekends, this year in July.

The Merchant Adventurers once again brought forth 'The Last Judgement', a play illustrating the ultimate conclusion of God's plan for his creation, as Jesus returns to earth to judge 'the quick and the dead'.

 

 The audience at Dean's Park watching The Last Judgement

The play in 2010 was performed by students and staff from Pocklington School and was a vibrant and energetic telling of the play in which everyone 'must now make account for their actions as ended is all earthly thing.'

The Merchant Adventurers are proud once again to support and be involved in the plays.

The Company is the sole Trustee of the Registered Charities numbered 235256 and 700792. VAT number 475 4666 09.