PUPILS and teachers from The Mount School have been chosen to take part in the Millennium Mystery Plays in York Minster later this month.

Three pupils and a teacher successfully auditioned for the plays earlier in the year and are set to star alongside the main actors in front of expected packed audiences.

India Masters, Danielle Sylvester, Anna Casson and teacher Rachael Livingston are busy preparing and rehearsing for the plays.

India, a year eight pupil, said: "Being involved in the Millennium Mystery Plays has really helped me appreciate all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

"I've made lots of new friends and watched eagerly as the main characters rehearse."

The school actors were able to speak to Dame Judi Dench, a former pupil of the school who herself has appeared in the Mystery Plays, for advice.

India added: "Meeting Dame Judi when she came to the school was a great opportunity as she told us about her own experiences in the Mystery Plays."

Danielle, a year ten pupil, is playing the part of a child and is in the chorus.

She said: "I read about the auditions in the paper and decided to apply.

"The children have been split into two groups - red and blue - and I'm in the blue team."

Anna, a sixth-form pupil, is an assistant stage manager.

She said: "I'm really lucky because this is what I want to do when I leave school.

"It's the best work experience I can get because I'm working with professionals and I am working rather than watching. This includes recording the moves that actors make, photocopying, checking availability, making lists and cleaning up after everybody.

"Once the play is in performance I'll be making sure all the actors and props are in the right place at the right time!"

Rachael, a teacher at the school, is an assistant director and plays Mary Cleopas, the sister of the Virgin Mary. She is also coaching the girls involved in the plays.

She said: "I'm thrilled to be so closely involved in such a major production and to work with so many talented and highly motivated people." So far 26,000 tickets have been sold and now only £7 tickets towards the back are available. Contact the box office on 01904 673535.

See Monday's Evening Press to get your copy of our Mystery Plays supplement