THE MYSTERY unfolds and the drama has begun at Great Malvern Priory, as God and Lucifer battle it out during the Malvern Mystery Play.

The play opened on Wednesday this week but it runs until Wednesday May 8, with performances at 7.30 pm every night except Sundays.

A spokesman said: “The eternal story of good versus evil takes place within the atmosphere of this ancient building.

“Mystery Plays were first created to complement the stories told in stained glass windows in churches. This play has been written especially for Malvern and made relevant for today’s world by Malvern professional prize-winning director and actor, Rob Swinton, who directed a very successful Mystery Play at the Priory in 2000. He has combined texts from the 15th and 16th century with the Townley Cycle and it tells the story of Creation through to God’s last trump.”

And music for the play has been specially composed by Piers Maxim, Director of Music at Malvern Priory for orchestra and choir.

The spokesman added: “The play stars professional actors including Darren Cheek as Jesus and God and Ali Belbin as Lucifer, supported by a cast of 30 from the Malvern community plus a further 40 musicians and singers.

“Proceeds from the Play will go towards the restoration of the stonework of Great Malvern Priory church, together with a generous grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and from the Elmley Foundation and Bransford Trust.”

Tickets are available within the Priory at the Friends’ Bookshop, on line via the Priory website www.greatmalvernpriory.org.uk or from Malvern TIC.

A limited number of tickets may be available on the door.