Hereford Cathedral will present the final instalment of its trilogy of biblical theatrical productions this October (Friday 23 & Saturday 24) as The Hereford Mysteries takes to the stage.

The Hereford Mysteries is a sweeping retelling of the Bible’s story from Genesis to Revelation, written and directed by the cathedral’s Chancellor the Revd Canon James Pacey. The production will bring God’s story of hope, love, and redemption to life in a fully staged production featuring a spectacular soundtrack. Renowned actor of stage and screen, Sir David Suchet has also lent his support to the play by pre-recording the voice of God to be used in the performance.

The Hereford Mysteries will follow the success of The Hereford Nativity (2025) and The Hereford Passion (2026) which have been key events as the cathedral mark their Year of Storytelling, coinciding with the 1350^th anniversary of the founding of Hereford Diocese. The productions have all featured a community cast of people from across the diocese with several individuals being involved in all three performances.

The Revd Canon James Pacey said: “The Hereford Mysteries has been a truly epic project to work on from start to finish and is an epic culmination to the year. I remain enormously grateful to all those involved – not least in bearing with the ever-changing creative process that comes with a brand-new play.”

The Very Revd Sarah Brown, Dean of Hereford, said: “The Hereford Mysteries promises to be a spectacular conclusion to our Year of Storytelling which has been led by Canon James. It has been a joy to share God’s story with so many different people in different ways. These productions have been really inspiring – I myself have even signed up to perform! Thank you to everyone who has supported this production, especially The Friends of Hereford Cathedral and our Theatre Angels.”

Historically, Mystery Plays were a popular form of street theatre which portrayed biblical stories in the medieval times. Performed on pageant wagons, they were quite a spectacle which not only captivated and entertained audiences but also held a spiritual purpose of sharing God’s story. The Hereford Mysteries seeks to update the Mystery cycle for a contemporary audience and, like The Hereford Nativity and The Hereford Passion before it, will make use of lighting and music to tell the story.

The Hereford Mysteries will take place on Friday 23 & Saturday 24 October in the nave of Hereford Cathedral. The performance will begin at 7.30pm and tickets, which cost £10 per adult and £6 per child, are available to purchase by clicking here or contacting the ticket desk (01432 374 202). This production is suitable for children aged 10 and above, although the play is thematically intense it isn't visibly distressing. 

This production is sponsored by The Friends of Hereford Cathedral and Hereford Cathedral Theatre Angels.

Image Credit: Caroline Potter