York starts looking for its next Adam and Eve

Have you fancied a spell in the garden of Eden, or wanted a captive audience for your prophetic utterances? York is offering you a chance from tomorrow, Saturday 12 November, when auditions and drop-in sessions start for the city's celebrated mystery plays . The performance next year is going to be lthe argest outdoor production in the known history of our county's capital city. And that is saying something; the plays, which are thought to have started as a travelling show put on by craft guilds from carts – and indeed wains, made by my ancestors – are the most venerable still performed in the country. The preliminary auditions hope to fill the main roles including Adam and Eve and Mary and Joseph, so applicants will need to show some proof that they can act. Past Marys include Mary Ure and Dame Judi Dench who were both pupils at the local Quaker school, the Mount. The drop-ins will give information about thousands of other roles; not just on stage but making costumes, helping with stage management and painting props. The plays' community producer Liam Evans-Ford says: York Mystery Plays 2012 is looking for two brave souls with impeccable acting skills to play Adam and Eve. Both actors will be among the first to grace the stage each night – setting the scene for the whole production in front of 1,500 people. These first sessions are mainly for those wanting to take one of the main roles, but also for those interested in trying some acting in a relaxed and informal setting. Don't be put off by the number of people likely to have a crack at the opportunity – and word has spread so effectively that the first two 'main part' auditions are already booked out. Goodness, what with yesterday's Northerner story about Vindolanda's archaeolgical placements selling out in three hours, northern England is definitely the place to be. But we know that. The point for would-be Mystery thespians is that the plays are planning to have two entire casts to allow the maximum number of performances, and mirror the way that the original mediaeval plays are thought to have involved large numbers, not just an elite. That doubles your chances, and also means you can still go on holiday for part of next August when the cycle will be performed. Dame Judi says: Having performed in the York Mystery Plays three times, I know the excitement that these events bring to the people of York and the important place they hold within the city's history. When I heard the Mystery Plays were returning to Museum Gardens and the scale and ambition which York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust have for this production, I was honoured to be asked to become a patron for 2012. The plays will be performed from August 2 to 27, with 1000 cast members including well-known professionals in leading roles. The new adaption is by Mike Kenny , an Olivier award winner, who adapted the National Railway Museum's brilliant version of The Railway Children . Can a real steam engine somehow be involved? Probably not, but get ready for excellent effects. Here are the audition details: The two main part audition sessions on November 12 and November 19 are now fully booked, but an extra date has been added on Saturday 26 November at Riding Lights Theatre, Lower Friargate. People wishing to book a time should book beforehand on: (01904) 715454. Open Group auditions will also take place on the above dates from 11.30am to 1pm. These sessions are designed to be fun, with no pressure and will last no more than 90 minutes. These will also take place on: Monday 14th November Tang Hall Community Centre, Fifth Avenue 7.30pm - Open Group Auditions Wednesday 16th November Explore Acomb Library, Front Street 7.30pm: Open Group Auditions Thursday 17th November Huntington School Studio Theatre, Huntington Road 7.30pm: Open Group Auditions Drop in information sessions, for people wanting to find out more about getting involved in one of the many volunteer roles, such as stage management, stewarding, costume making and many more, can visit the same sites between 6pm and 9pm on the week day workshops and 10am and 6pm on the Saturday sessions. There will also be one on Tuesday 15th November at Tesco Supermarket, Clifton Moor.