Backstage 21 Apr 2010
Inspired by the medieval mystery plays, which adapted Bible stories to their own time and place, the The Southwark Mysteries by John Constable is a modern drama rooted in the history of Bankside (London's "outlaw borough") fusing traditional elements with local folklore and contemporary humour.
The strory begins when Jubilee Line tunnellers dig up the Cross Bones burial ground (which really happened), inadvertently raising the spirits of The Goose (a 13th century whore) and John Crow (a trickster heretic)...
The play was first performed in Shakespeare’s Globe and Southwark Cathedral on Easter Sunday, 23rd April 2000. Exactly ten years on, a new production was staged in Southwark Cathedral featuring professional actors, an adult community cast and three school groups.
This photo album takes a peep back stage with the community cast during the dress rehearsal and performances at Southwark Cathedral. Many thanks to Nadja Niemann for supplying additional photos.