Overview
After a gap of over 20 years Riding Lights Theatre Company, York Theatre Royal and York Museums Trust began discussions in 2009 about the possibility of returning the Mystery Plays to the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey where they were first performed in 1951. In autumn 2010 the plans for an ambitious, collaborative, production which brings together the community and to be held in 2012 were agreed and formalised.
Brief
As the publicity team for Riding Lights Theatre Company Plug and Tap’s objectives include:
- Involving the local faith community in presenting and performing the Mystery Plays to create a memorable cultural landmark.
- Working with specialist faith media nationally and internationally to gain publicity for the Mystery Plays and encouraging people to buy tickets for the event.
- Promoting the Plays to the region’s cultural and arts groups encouraging individuals to become involved in the performance.
Project Delivery
Working with York Theatre Royal and York Museums Trust the team worked collaboratively on the formal announcement of the rebirth of the Plays and has established the York Press as the official media partner for the event. Plug and Tap has written and is delivering a communications plan for the targeted audiences and is currently participating in monthly marketing meetings with the partners communications teams regarding promotion of the Mystery Plays.
Outcomes
Work continues daily on promoting the 2012 Mystery Plays. The initial comments received after the Press Release announcing the dates for the Mystery Plays in 2012 was issued have generated a large amount of media interest and coverage. Visit York and Welcome to Yorkshire have both expressed a desire to become involved in supporting the Mystery Plays.
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