HIDden Theatre, in partnership with the Gild of Freeman of York,
form a Guild of Waifs & Stays
to bring forth the Tanners’ Pageant of The Fall of Angels
as The War in Heaven, adapted by Alan Heaven
for the York Mystery Plays Festival 2026
| CAST | |
|---|---|
| Angel Ensemble | Freddie Amy |
| Fallen Angel Ensemble | Christopher Bradshaw |
| 1st Angel | Jacob Carhart |
| 2nd Fallen Angel | Robin Denley Bowers |
| 3rd Fallen Angel | Oliver Eardley |
| Lucifer | Colin Hayes |
| 2nd Angel | Imogen Lisle-Clarke |
| God | Ehren Mierau |
| 3rd Angel | Will Seddon |
| 1st Fallen Angel | Sue Whyte |
| CREATIVE TEAM | |
|---|---|
| Director | Laura-Elizabeth Rice |
| Designer | Laura-Elizabeth Rice |
| Composer | Samuel Fernandes Morais |
| Musical Director | Samuel Fernandes Morais |
| Puppet Director | Catherine McRae |
| Assistant Director | Irem Saticioglu |
On Sunday 28th June and Sunday 5th July 2026, the streets of York will come alive with medieval plays, telling the story of the Christian Bible from Creation to Doom, performed on waggons. You’ll be able to see performances throughout the day, and there will be other events as part of the accompanying festival throughout the two-week period, including two twilight performances in the Shambles Market on Tuesday 30th June and Wednesday 1st July.
HIDden Theatre is bringing together anyone who wants to be involved in The York Mystery Plays who has not found a home with any other group, to form “The Guild of Waifs & Strays” to bring forth The War in Heaven for the 2026 Festival. Our Artistic Director, Laura-Elizabeth Rice, will be taking the creative helm. The War in Heaven (traditionally known as The Fall of Angels) is the first play in the York Mystery Play cycle. It’s the story of God creating Heaven and the angels, and how Lucifer pridefully tries to usurp God’s place. For his pride he is cast into Hell, along with the angels who follow his lead.
We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Gild of Freemen of York on this production.
This production is made possible thanks to generous donations from Bill & Barb Rice.
If you would like to be involved in our contribution to the York Mystery Plays 2026, please visit our Jobs & Opportunities page to find the latest roles on offer.
HIDden Theatre 