THE Evening Press today launches a major campaign to keep York's world-famous Mystery Plays alive.

Readers have responded with dismay and outrage ever since we revealed last month that the Plays will not be staged next year, with no major production in prospect until at least 2010 - and quite possibly not even then.

They have been shocked that this historic city could contemplate abandoning an artistic, spiritual and community tradition which stretches back to 1951 and attracts visitors from all over the globe, as well as involving hundreds of local actors, young and old.

Now we are calling on the York community to pull together to ensure that the Mysteries are once more performed in 2005, and the tradition safeguarded for future years - along with the equally-mportant pageant wagon productions.

Two private meetings have been held at the Evening Press's headquarters in recent weeks, involving representatives of organisations including City of York Council, the York Minster Mystery Plays Board, the Friends Of The Mystery Plays, the York Guilds, York Tourism Bureau and the Theatre Royal, to discuss whether the Plays can be saved - and how.

The meetings have discussed possible venues, including the Plays' traditional home in the Museum Gardens, the potential costs and possible revenue sources, and the likelihood of support from the local authority.

David Howard, whose company produced the last Plays to be staged in the Museum Gardens, has calculated that it could cost about £540,000 to stage them again in 2005, but that more than that could be raised in box office income, sponsorship and other revenue sources.

But to have any hope of making the Plays happen, it has become clear that massive hurdles must be overcome.

City of York Council has already provided advice and assistance and says it will continue to do so, but is not prepared to lead any campaign to save the Plays.

The York Minster Mystery Plays Board, which oversaw the magnificent Millennium production in the cathedral and might - or might not - attempt to stage another such production there in about 2010, cannot become involved in any other Plays elsewhere in the meantime.

Nor does the Theatre Royal, which staged the Plays in 1992 and 1996, wish to play a leading role this time round, although it would be happy to provide support.

It seems clear that only a major effort from the heart of the York community can lead the Mysteries out of the wilderness.

People - the right people, with the necessary expertise, enthusiasm, organisational skills, commitment and time - are needed if a complex and lengthy project is to be driven forward.

A new board needs to be created from scratch, comprising perhaps a dozen individuals, with vital knowledge in areas including the dramatic arts, law, finance and lottery funding applications.

Financial support, from businesses large and small, as well as the general public, will also be vitally important.

One York businessman, Steve Bielby, of Bielby & Charles, has today set an example by pledging £100 to help to fund the plays, hoping others would follow suit to raise £50,000. "Will 499 other firms or individuals join me?" he asked.

He welcomed the Evening Press campaign. "The Press seems the natural focus for such action," he said.

What is needed to save York's Mystery Plays...

Updated: 10:50 Thursday, July 24, 2003