Norwich Medieval Mystery Plays @ Norwich Castle Keep
Both original and clever.
I love a bit of social history, me. I love Norwich Castle too. So obvs I was up for seeing two plays written in Our Fine Norwich 500 years ago (and never performed since) in the hactual Castle Keep. Sounds brilliant. Yes please. Well up for a bit of The Grocer's Play and others from The N-Town Cycle.
Performed by only three actors, two ladies and a gent, as well as a small troupe of occasional extras, this was a retelling of some of the best known stories from the Bible. I'm not a Christian woman myself but who doesn't love Noah's Ark, Adam and Eve, the fall of Lucifer or Cain and Abel? All absolute classics. Tonight the potentially challenging space of the magnificent and cavernous Keep is cleverly used, with a huge white backdrop providing digitally created landscapes plus special effects. With songs, puppetry, costume changes, dancing and some creative scenery and props the trio brought these ancient stories to life with great success. Maintaining the original medieval language but delivering it in an accessible and clear way really added to the magic, and it was easy to picture these plays being enjoyed by Norwich folk outside in the marketplace over half a century ago. The adults and kids in the audience were kept spellbound throughout and with all three shows selling out, it's a testament to both Norwich's passion for the cultural history of Norwich itself and also the creative and innovative talents of the actors and supporting team that made this night both original and clever.
But did I consider hiding behind an exhibit so I could stay in the Keep all night? Of course I bloody did. Who wouldn't.
![[UNIT] @ The Shoe Factory](/assets/card/01e28a5fae64d2acbdcde7583fa8932d.webp)
