The medieval mystery plays, or pageants, entertained audiences for over two hundred years, throughout the country, for two or three days over the Whitsuntide period. They were eventually abolished by the Church after the Reformation, at the height of their popularity, until, by the year 1550, they were more or less finished. Nevertheless, they remain a rich heritage of our early drama and several cycles still remain. Commissioned by the Sheffield Festival, these five examples are from the Wakefield Cycle, specially adapted for twenty-minute slots for out-door performances. They exemplify the drama and comedy of the period. Each can be performed as a one-act play, or they can be performed in a sequence as a full performance, not necessarily with separate casts, but preferably with a folk band and a herald, or crier, perhaps on horse-back. The Creation - a drama 4m, 4f, Noah - a comedy 4m, 4f. The Second Shepherds’ Play - a comedy 5m, 3f. The Resurrection - a drama 8m, 4f. The Judgement - a drama 5m, 5f + angels and devils.