5 days Ago
The production is based on the murder of Thomas Becket during the reign of Henry II, with the action set mainly in Canterbury Cathedral. It will be performed in St Andrew’s Church at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, and is about the Papal Investigation into execution of Becket by King Henry’s four knights. TS Eliot in his 1950 play suggested that the murder was justified to ensure that the power of the church did not undermine the stability of the state and the power of the King.
The real motive for the murder remains hidden in the mists of time. (Image: Contributor) St Andrew’s Church, which dates from around 1150, is a fitting venue for The Mystery, as history tells of an encounter there with Henry II. Roger de Mowbray, owner of the castle in Kirkby Malzeard, took part in the 1173 revolt against King Henry II, after which the castle was besieged by the Bishop elect of Lincoln.
Mowbray surrendered his castle in Kirkby Malzeard, along with Thirsk Castle, to the King. Mowbray Castle was subsequently demolished, with only rubble surviving today. The play, by local resident Mike Harford-Cross, will feature two professional actors, Gamze Seber who plays Queen Eleanor and Ben Elder as the Papal Investigator.
There is an additional cast of 20 players. (Image: Contributor) Writer, producer and actor Mr Harford-Cross said: “Our supporting cast, who play notable figures of the time, includes talented players from the Mowbray Theatre Group supported by a strong team of volunteers from the area. They provide lighting, sound, make-up, costumes and the catering for the interval of the two-act play.
” Profits from the play will go to the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust and St Andrew’s Restoration fund. Tickets will be on sale from wegottickets.com at £16.
50 for two performances, on May 22 and 23 from 7.30pm..
