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Major coup is a mystery

An ancient religious event bound for Durham this spring will be a major tourism coup, organisers have predicted.

A series of mystery plays will see a contemporary revival in Durham this May, retelling faith-based history over three nights of dance, opera and musical theatre across the city.

With news that 12,000 County Durham jobs are dependent on the tourism sector, this new festival will come as a welcome tonic to the summer build up.

Kate James, project initiator for Durham Mysteries, said: “It is anticipated that the occasion will be a significant cultural event and a huge tourist draw for Durham and the wider North East.

“It’s an incredibly ambitious project, the event has seen some of the best creative talents in the industry today coming together to create a production which is both imaginative and thought provoking, representing a major theatrical landmark for 2010.”

Still performed throughout the UK, Mystery Plays are on the earliest forms of live theatre and will take place at venues including Durham Cathedral and Gala Theatre.

Kate James added: “Durham Mysteries has taken nearly three years to develop so we’re really excited to see the finished event coming together.

“We look forward to welcoming people from across the UK to Durham.”

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary report into tourism has revealed that 17 million visitors are attracted to Durham every year.

The report also shows that while only 8% of Durham’s visitor’s stay overnight, they are central to the city’s economy, accounting for 50% of the annual spend.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .