It's a mystery!
April 19th 2009, a sunny Sunday saw the first annual Theale Green Mystery Cycle Community Drama Event.
Building on the success of Christopher Lambert's funny and accessible adaptations of the medieval mystery cycle plays, Starting with a splendidly delivered 'Adam And Eve' from the Sainsbury's Singers, the programme of events moved on to Shining Lights with 'Noah's Ark
Situated on the mysterious mounds in the sports field the whole event had a sunny and happy community mood, with the audience genuinely supporting the excellent performers in all four plays. As with the way of the Medieval Mystery tradition each group of performers were able to watch and support each other, and the difference of styles in directing, staging and approach gave an enriching variety to the creative feast.
Theale Green's very own Nigel Wilson directed The Sainsbury's Singers' 'Adam and Eve' with a stylish and comic confidence, taking magical advantage of the polished skills of his cast and his player's wide range of ages and types. Nigel also played a very convincing God.
The Shining Lights Youth Theatre, led by Peter Watt, brought us their three plays with the same cast of seven, and the young performers moved effortlessly from character to character. These plays were directed by the actors themselves, with Peter's helpful talents and support, and they made great use of a range of theatrical styles and powerful images.
We very much hope that this event will grow and grow. By next year it would be excellent to involve even more local dramatic groups of all kinds, each bringing their own styles and energy to even more plays in the Mystery Cycle of ten stories. There is even talk of a 'Harrowing of Hell' barbeque, an 'Adam and Eve' fruit stall, and if health and safety allows maybe a 'Noah's Ark
Jonathan Shelley on BBC Radio Berkshire .