The Globe Mysteries

Synopsis

Celebrating the spirit of medieval street theatre and processional performance and take a fresh and contemporary look at The Mystery Plays as one of the most important influences on theatre. Beginning with the creation and ending with the last judgement, the English Mysteries introduced aspects of medieval life into theatrical representations of the bible. With community guilds presenting relevant scenes on lavishly decorated wagons or platforms, these collections of plays were developed from the 10th Century up until just before Shakespeare’s own plays were performed. Lavish costumes, ballad singers and musicians bring a rich theatricality to Southwark this summer. Drawing on medieval traditions and inspired by the stories of the bible, The Globe Mysteries celebrate the spirit of medieval street theatre and processional performance and take a fresh and contemporary look at The Mystery Plays as one of the most important influences on theatre.

Our Review:

Theo Bosanquet - 11 August 2011

There's something undoubtedly incongruous about sitting in the Globe, watching one of the oldest forms of drama, and hearing references to Wembley Stadium, George Bush and mobile phones.

Deborah Bruce's production of The Mysteries, running as part of the Globe's The Word is God season, provides a welcome opportunity to see plays that pre-date (and heavily influenced) Shakespeare, even if the versions we see are far from what the Bard himself might have experienced.

Fittingly pantomimic in style, Tony Harrison's dense script leans heavily on rhyming couplets and somehow manages to bridge the first and 21st centuries through a strange kind of linguistic mash-up (Jesus tells his Father, “thy will have I done, and some”; Eve greets God, “Blessed be thou, Lord of life / I am Eve, Adam's wife”).

It's ancient themes with modern jokes. Lucifer reimagined as a slapstick comic, Cain and Able as canny Geordies, Herod as a fetish...

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Latest User Review

Sugar - 7 October 2011:

I thought this was fabulous, excellent cast and William Ash was perfect for the role of Jesus. I can see what others have meant about the second half dragging, but overall I thought it was very well done....

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