A LEADING academic has got behind our campaign to keep York's Mystery Plays alive.

Dr Robert Mills, of Kings College, London, a specialist in medieval literature and culture, told of his disappointment after learning that the plays may not be performed until at least 2010.

"It would be a big shame if students didn't get an opportunity to view the plays in the performance context they were originally intended for," he said.

Dr Mills said that not only did the York Mystery Plays form an important part of medieval studies at Kings College, they also played a key role in most university English curriculums.

He said the plays were also an essential means for members of the public who were not involved in academic studies to gain access into medieval literature.

Carolin Esser, a member of York-based drama group The Lords Of Misrule, also backed the campaign. "It is important to uphold the double tradition of the Mystery Plays," she said. "The plays have developed and have become more than an historic tradition, they are now part of a modern tradition as well."

She said the plays were a major tourist attraction, providing income for the city.

She also expressed concern that there was no longer any one particular group with direct responsibility for the plays.

Mike Tyler, artistic director of the Wagon Mystery Plays, which presents performances on pageant wagons in the streets of York, said: "I think it is important that the people of York have the opportunity to see both of the Mystery Play performances. While the wagon plays follow the original method of staging, the static plays provide a modern reinterpretation."

Updated: 09:41 Saturday, July 26, 2003