This textbook investigates the performance aspects of medieval drama, focusing on mystery cycles and morality plays. Designed for A-level and undergraduate students, it examines plays from a practical, performance-oriented viewpoint. The authors specifically reference readily available student texts, such as A.C. Cawley's 'Everyman and Medieval Miracle Plays,' to illustrate staging conventions. The book explores pageant wagon performance, place and scaffold playing, and hall drama within their specific medieval cultural contexts.

This textbook is structured to serve A-level and undergraduate students of theatre and drama, indicating a pedagogical focus. Its examination of medieval plays from a performance perspective, referencing accessible texts and specific staging conventions like pageant wagons and hall drama, suggests a practical and historically grounded approach. The content is likely to be of interest to students and scholars seeking to understand the material conditions and performance practices of medieval theatre.