The Mysteries return to Playbox Theatre's Dream Factory this Easter

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Playbox perform The Mysteries this Easter. Photo courtesy of Playbox Theatre.

The Mysteries performed by Playbox Theatre at the Dream Factory, Warwick from 2 – 4 April 2026. Directed by Emily Quash and Mary King.

Preview

A landmark production reimagined for a new generation.

Playbox Theatre continues its 40th Anniversary Season with the powerful return of one of its most iconic large-scale productions, The Mysteries - restaged at The Dream Factory in Warwick this Easter.

Originally created by Playbox in 2011 and last performed at The Dream Factory in 2023, The Mysteries has become one of the company’s defining works. Inspired by the great Medieval Mystery Play cycles of York, Chester and Coventry, the production tells the epic story of the world from Creation to Doomsday – a vast theatrical journey presented in three parts.

In the Middle Ages, entire communities would gather during major religious festivals, particularly Easter, to stage biblical stories in public spaces. Craft guilds were responsible for producing plays on moving carts or outside cathedrals, creating bold, communal celebrations of storytelling. These events were raw, direct, emotionally charged and spectacular in scale.

Playbox’s The Mysteries draws on that tradition of collective performance. In 2026, a company of 70 young performers aged 8–19 will bring this ambitious reimagining to life in a thrilling large-scale restaging directed by Emily Quash and Mary King.

Performed in a striking traverse setting that combines epic scale with audience intimacy, the production features a live band, a richly textured soundtrack and extensive choreography. Through physical theatre, ensemble storytelling, music and movement, the cast create a raw and visceral staging – one that holds moments of heartbreak alongside spirited energy and high-impact collective performance.

70 young performers will be taking part. Photo courtesy of Playbox Theatre.

The Three Parts

Part One: Creation: From the forming of the world to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

Part Two: The Passion: The life and mission of Jesus, his betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion.

Part Three: Doomsday: The aftermath of the crucifixion, the Harrowing of Hell and a final reckoning.

At its heart, The Mysteries is a story about humanity – about beginnings and endings, love and sacrifice, destruction and hope. In a changing and divided world, this bold restaging reflects the urgency, questioning and collective spirit that defined the original medieval performances, while speaking directly to contemporary audiences.

This Easter promises to be an unforgettable theatrical event as Playbox revisits and reimagines a landmark production that celebrates the power, courage and imagination of young people.

The cast includes: Eve Hatz as Jesus, Sam Almond & Pendo Goma as Adam & Eve, Tom Quash as Satan, Hannah Keyte as Mary Mother, Milo Aggiss as King Herod and Hayden -James Mulcock as God.

Performances: 2-4 April 2026 at The Dream Factory, Warwick.

Tickets: Start at £8. Booking: www.playboxtheatre.com