Two weeks from today – June 7 (June 8 if it rains*) – the pageant wagons will roll out, the actors will take their places, and after years of planning, organizing, and rehearsing, we’re finally bringing the full York Cycle back to life. This marks the first full staging of the medieval York Corpus Christi Plays in 27 years and 15 years since we mounted the Chester Cycle in 2010.

When a recent fire destroyed our original wagons, we faced a brutal choice: scale back or rebuild. Thanks to your support and the Centre for Renaissance and Reformation Studies stepping in to sponsor the production, we chose the latter. The new wagons won’t be identical to the ones we lost. Yet, from the ashes, new wagons are rising, built based on the latest research and a deepened commitment to authenticity.

What to Expect on June 7

  • Every surviving word of the York Plays, performed as written, starting with Christina M. Fitzgerald’s updated-spelling versions and translated for modern ears by each participating group.
  • Creative reconstructions where the manuscript fails us. Three plays are entirely lost; others have gaps. We’ve filled them with educated guesswork and a dash of invention.
  • A marathon of medieval storytelling – from the 6:00 AM Creation to the midnight Last Judgment. Come for an hour or stay all day.
  • The unexpected. Outdoor theatre is always a gamble (remember 1977’s rainout?), but that’s part of the authenticity. Half the fun is seeing how the plays shift across daylight, weather, and audience reactions.

Important Details

  • It’s free. No tickets, no reservations – just show up.
  • Find us in the Burwash Quad, University of Toronto, 89 Charles St West. Three stations, rotating performances. Wear comfy shoes; bring a blanket or chair, a water bottle, a hat, and maybe a raincoat.
  • Perfect for all ages. Plays that may not be appropriate for younger children are noted on the York Plays 2025 website and programme.
  • Come & go as you please. Plays repeat at three different spots, so wander between them, go grab a snack, and enjoy at your own pace.

*Check the website for weather updates and full details about the production: www.yorkplays.ca

We’ve waited 27 years for this. Now it’s almost here. See you June 7!

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