SHOP early for Christmas takes on new meaning as tickets for Chester Mystery Plays go on sale - for the year 2008. 'There's been a bit of a demand for some time,' said plays chairman Jo Sykes. 'People from all over the world have been e-mailing enquiries for quite a while now and tickets started to sell on the very first day the box office opened.' Due to the closure of the Chester Gateway early next year, organisers of the plays have arranged for Chester Racecourse to handle their box office. 'They are very experienced in ticketing all manner of events at the race-course, as well as race days, and as Chester Mystery Plays has a dedicated phone number, all should go smoothly,' said Jo. To be performed on the Cathedral Green in the grounds of Chester Cathedral, the production runs for three weeks from June 28-July 19. With medieval origins, the plays are a rare and much valued part of Britain's cultural heritage. Living proof of early English drama and known throughout the world, they dramatise stories from the Bible from Creation with Adam and Eve through Christ's life and crucifixion to hell fire and the Last Day of Judgement. 'As last time, the plays are in two parts, The Prophecy and The Fulfilment. Each is ticketed separately and is a complete performance in its own right,' said Jo. 'They are being staged on alternate evenings, though both parts may be seen on Saturdays as there's also a matinee. There are no performances on Sundays. 'Artistic director Robin Goddard is creating a wonderful new spectacle with magical effects and new music is being specially composed by musical director Matt Baker.' As last time in 2003, the audience will be seated under a covered stand while the actors perform in the open air. For anyone interested in joining the cast or crew for what is believed to be one of the largest community projects in the UK, auditions will be held next spring while rehearsals begin later in 2007. Tickets (£12-£25 adults, £9-£20 children; concessions and group discount also available) are on sale now at Chester Racecourse counter, or ring 01244 304 618. Tickets for previews on June 26 and 27, 2007, are all at a reduced price of £10. | 
