ACTORS and actresses from across region are being urged to come forward to take part in next year’s York Mystery Plays at the Minster.

A series of meetings will take place next month in St William's College at which director Phillip Breen and producer Nicky Corp will outline what they are looking for - and 'what the actors are in for.'

"If you like what you hear, you’ll be able to sign up on the spot for your shot at an audition later this autumn," said Nicky in a newsletter issued to members of the Mystery Plays Supporters Trust.

"And if you don’t fancy your chances as a leading light, fear not: we’ll need people for the chorus, too, so whatever you’d like to be auditioned for – major part or part of the chorus – there’s a chance for you to be considered."

She said actors would have to be prepared for a longer run than when the plays were last staged in the cathedral in 2000, with next year's Plays opening on Thursday May 26 - the feast of Corpus Christi – and closing on Thursday June 30.

"But, if the brilliant, committed community performers of this fine city are anything to go by, we know you’ll be up for it," she said.

The meetings will be staged at 10am on Saturday September 5, at 6.30pm on Wednesday September 9, at 6.30pm on Tuesday September 22 and at 1pm on Sunday September 27. Anyone interested should email laurac@yorkminster.org or give Laura a ring on 01904 557218 to confirm which meeting they would like to come to.

Nicky added that she would soon also be looking for people to help put the show together – "our volunteer army of props makers, wardrobe assistants, seamstresses, backstage crew, you name it – our Mysterymakers, if you like." The box office will open in January.