THE oldest church in York is to host a performance of the hit play Agnes Of God next month as part of York’s International Women’s Week.

The Music Room Players, a group of actors who have come together specifically to perform the play, will be taking it to four churches across Yorkshire in coming weeks, including St Mary’s Church in Bishophill on March 10.

Pat Riley, of the Players, said St Mary’s 1,000-year history made it a particularly fitting place in which to mark the celebrations of York’s 800 years as a self-governing city. Proceeds would go to the churches.

She said the play, written by John Pielmeier, was an intense and powerful story. “The wonderful soprano voice of novice Sister Agnes thrills all who hear her sing but when the body of a newborn child is found in her room in the convent, the court appoints psychiatrist Dr Martha Livingstone to investigate,” she said.

“Sister Agnes can remember nothing. Mother Superior Miriam Ruth tries to protect the fragile novice, but Dr Livingstone is determined to find out the truth whatever the cost.”

Tickets are £8 inclusive of programme and non-alcoholic refreshments and can be reserved by phoning Pat Riley at 0113 2300312.