For the fifth year running, the Bible comes to life in a uniquely creative corner of the Potteries, writes Alan Cookman

BABYLON comes to the Potteries next week as the good folk of Penkhull prove once again that there's never a dull moment in the Old Testament.

The Penkhull Mysteries is an ongoing Biblical epic that seem to grow more vivid and dramatic with each passing year.

Scenes from scripture have unfolded chronologically since the first play was presented in 2005, an experimental project that progressed from conception to performance in four months flat.

That inaugural production featured the Creation, the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel and Noah's Ark.

Since then, performances have embraced Moses and the journey to the Promised Land, Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, Samson tangling with the lion, the Philistines and Delilah, David slaying Goliath, and Solomon taking a fancy to the Queen of Sheba.

This year the story shifts to Babylon where the audience will meet the evil Queen Jezebel, see Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego thrown into the fiery furnace and witness Daniel's experience in the lion's den.

It's not all anger and suffering, however.

"The plays are lively, funny and full of singing and dancing," says Lynne Burton, of the organising committee.

"This year we have some wonderful props, including the Tower of Babel, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, golden idols, beasts, birds and trees and many more.

"And everything is written, made and performed by the Penkhull Mystery Players – it's a community effort from start to finish."

The Mystery Play is the centrepiece of a programme of events on St Thomas's Church Green, including maypole dancing, bell ringing, tug-o'-war, jazz and Punch and Judy. The fun starts at 1pm on Saturday, July 11.