The Chester Mystery Plays are one of the UK's biggest community theatre productions involving over 200, professionally directed, volunteer cast, crew and front of house team. They are produced every 5 years. In 2023, they will be performed in Chester Cathedral to an anticipated audience of over 6500 people over 19 shows.
Ticket sales are predicted to cover half of the cost of this ambitious project, so we are seeking funding for various aspects of the production. We have budgeted £12000 for costumes, many of which will be created by our volunteer cohort of 'makers and stitchers' to our designer's specifications.
What we'll deliver:
- Beautiful costumes for the huge cast of up to 200 'players' to bring the Plays to life
- We need Materials, Making and Storage Space, Consumables
Why it's a great idea:
This is a brilliant community project bringing together people, of all backgrounds, for a spectacular production, which draws an audience from the region, nationally and from overseas. We have a professional creative team, but rely on donations and volunteers to bring the Plays to fruition. Set design and construction, audience seating, lighting, sound, rehearsal and performance venue hire. Costumes are a vital part of the Plays - we would love your help in funding this aspect of the production..
Steps to get it done:
- Enough material and equipment to create all the costumes and props
- Professional assistance where volunteer support is not sufficient
It is not just the cast of volunteers who gain a li9fe changing experience from the Chester Mystery Plays; we will have another 200 people behind the scenes, making props and set painting, stage management and technical operations; and Front of House a team of volunteers to ensure audience members are seated comfortably and efficiently and maintain health and safety throughout the plays. It is a huge community effort, giving people the opportunity to work on a professionally directed production and being part of an important aspect of Chester's cultural heritage.
