Members of a Lichfield church have been involved in the Lichfield Mysteries since the first production in 1994.
Wade Street Church group have performed several plays over the years, including the Crucifixion and Burial, the two plays chosen by them for the performance this year.
But little did the people cast as the soldiers know when they volunteered for the roles, they would have something extra to learn – Morris dancing!
The soldiers, Rev Ian Hayter, James Jones, Oliver Woodman and Colin Bridle, are being put through their paces by Ian’s wife Sally, a member of Three Spires Morris.
Director Leslie Jewkes decided the dancing would add something to the performance.
“There is certain aggressiveness in country dancing which I wanted to exploit,” he said. “The soldiers’ boisterousness in the Crucifixion gives way to quiet calm and stillness in The Burial – it’s almost like viewing an oil painting.”
Commenting on their Morris dancing lessons, Ian, James, Oliver and Colin agreed it had been an interesting experience and certainly a challenge!
Mysteries’ professional designer John Brooking has specially created some imaginative soldiers’ costumes for this fresh interpretation of the play. The black outfits have trousers with tassels, smocks with aprons and helmets.
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Clearly having a lot of fun learning to Morris dance are Oliver Woodman, Colin Bridle, James Jones and Ian Hayter, with instructor Sally Hayter.
