MYSTERY Plays enthusiasts queued up to buy tickets for this summer's spectacular production in York Minster.

About a dozen people were waiting when tickets went on sale at 9.30am on Wednesday at York Theatre Royal's box office.

They said they were looking forward to seeing the Plays performed in the superb setting of the gothic cathedral, without having to worry about the weather unlike four years ago - and were quite prepared to pay the asking price for their tickets.

York Press: Noah's Ark in the 2000 Mystery Plays at York Minster

A scene from the 2000 production at York Minster

It emerged earlier this week that tickets for the evening performances start at £25 per person, with no concessions, with matinees starting at £15.

The first in the queue was Jo Rodmell from Dunnington, who was also buying three for friends.

She said she wanted to buy early to ensure she had a good choice and got the seats she wanted.

"They (the tickets) are expensive but it's in a wonderful setting and it is a wonderful experience," she said.

"I would rather have one really good quality theatrical experience like that, helping the Minster, rather than - you can soon spend money on films and coffee and things, and its almost equivalent in the end."

Her comments were echoed by Glennis Whyte of Fishergate, who was buying four tickets for £160. "It's once every four years," she said.

George and Barbara Wildsmith of Stockton on the Forest agreed. "It's something special," said Mr Wildsmith.

The Plays, which will see the Nave transformed into a 1000-seater auditorium, will begin on May 26 and run for five weeks.

A community cast will form the heart of the production supporting one professional actor, details of whom are due to be announced soon.

The Plays are being developed by an award winning artistic team, including director Phillip Breen, of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and writer Mike Poulton, who recently wrote the scripts for the RSC’s productions of Hilary Mantel’s global best-selling novels Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies.

As well as being sold at the theatre's box office, situated temporarily at the nearby De Grey Rooms, tickets can also be bought from the Minster’s visitor admission desks, by going to www.yorkminster.org/mysteryplays2016 or calling 01904 623568.