'Amazing' Mysteries take to streets of Lichfield
Some productions recreate Bible stories in a traditional setting, while others have been given more modern treatment.
And there are some spectacularly colourful costumes and outstanding dramatic performances planned for the plays this weekend.
"It has been wonderful to see how the plays have emerged this year," said council of management chairman Polly Dixon.
"The individual directors and casts have put their own interpretations on the traditional stories and have produced some amazing plays."
Over the last few weeks, members of each of the 25 groups performing have been busy preparing their particular contributions.
Groups have had the benefit of the 'considerable' expertise of the professional artistic team – artistic director Dominic Shaw, costume director and designer John Brooking and music director Anthony Evans.
The two performance stages for the Mysteries – Market Square and Lichfield Cathedral – will be a hive of activity as hundreds of actors, singers, musicians and back stage crews bring the stories to life.
As well as the plays, people can enjoy a 'Bards 'n' Butties' event in St Mary's Centre when The Lichfield Poets perform in the coffee shop at 10.30am each day.
And children can enjoy Shepherd's Crook Puppet Theatre performances in the cathedral's Lady Chapel at various times over the weekend.
Sylvia Royal's art groups have been inspired by the Mysteries to produce some incredible pieces of work, also on display in the cathedral.
Musicians from Nottingham Music School and Brassery will play a concert in Market Square on both afternoons after the plays have finished, at about 3.30pm
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