Photo Flash: Archbishop of York Boards Noah's Ark at YORK MYSTERY PLAYS

Today, 19 July, Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu visited the set of the York Mystery Plays joined by Ferdinand Kingsley, who takes the role of God and Jesus in the plays which run throughout August against the backdrop of St Mary's Abbey, York. Check out the photos of the Archbishop on Noah's Ark below!

The Archbishop of York, one of the Patrons of The York Mystery Plays visited the 1,400 seater, covered auditorium which has been built into the York Museum Gardens and boarded Noah's Ark, part of the set which had been built by joinery student at York College.

A medieval cycle of plays, which have been performed by the people of York for hundreds of years, this adaption by Mike Kenny will be directed by Damian Cruden, reuniting the team that brought the Olivier award-wining The Railway Children to life at Waterloo Station.

Cruden is joined by Paul Burbridge as joint Artistic Director of the 2012 York Mystery Plays which is believed to be the UK's biggest outdoor theatrical event of 2012. Ferdinand Kingsley, who will play both God and Jesus opposite Coronation Street villain Graeme Hawley as The Devil, will be joined by over 1,700 local volunteers comprising the two casts of community ensemble, musicians, choir and crew in the York Mystery Plays which run from 2 to 27 August with press night on 8 August at 7.30pm.

Telling thestory of the cosmic battle between good and evil, from creation to the last judgement, the York Mystery Plays have been performed by the people of York for more than 800 years and are a world-famous part of the city's cultural heritage.

The York Mystery Plays are produced by York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust and supported by City of York Council.

St Mary's Abbey is located in York Museum Gardens, York and features covered seating. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday at 7.30pm and Saturday at 2.30pm. Ticket prices range from £12 to £42. Call the box office at 01904 623568 or go online at www.yorkmysteryplays2012.com.

Photo credit: Kippa Matthews