Cottesloe Theatre Set Up for The Mysteries

Photograph of the stage setting for 'The Mysteries' in the Cottesloe Theatre. Taken by the technical team as a record of how the space was organised and where objects were placed. In keeping with the theme of workers putting on the plays using the resources at their disposal, designer William Dudley placed tools, Trade Union banners, and everyday items around the balconies.

The Mysteries, designed by William Dudley and directed by Bill Bryden, is a version of the medieval English Mystery plays which tells the story of the Bible from the creation to the last judgement. It was presented in three promenade productions of 'The Nativity', 'The Passion' and 'Doomsday'.

Designed by William Dudley
Directed by Bill Bryden
Associate director: Sebastian Graham Jones
Adapted by Tony Harrison
Lighting by Laurence Clayton
Music by John Tams and The Home Service

‘The Passion’ premiered at London's National Theatre in 1977, with all three plays presented there in 1984 and 1985. It later transferred to the West End.

Location: Cottesloe Theatre at the National Theatre, London.

Lengths:
The Mysteries - The Passion: 1 hour 50 minutes
The Mysteries - The Nativity: 2 hours 30 minutes
The Mysteries - Doomsday: 2 hours

[Location in NT archive: RNT/PO/5/66]