GALLERY
After a two-year delay, Passion finally went ahead during Holy Week 2022 – and it was worth the wait! It has been a journey… We had a great loss to the cast in Andy Hoskin – a beautiful disciple of Jesus – who sadly passed on to glory on the 2nd January 2021; we dedicated the production to his memory. In the last two years, two of our new Ministers to the circuit, joined the cast – one as Jesus (Rev. Al Lowe) and one as Judas (Rev. Brenton Prigge) – they were both amazing and brought such depth to their characters. Along with my husband, Rev. Darren Middleton – who, as well as directing the piece, gave a (quote) ‘spell-binding performance as Pilate’ – we are blessed to have such talented and dedicated ministers in our circuit. The whole cast were wonderful and a lasting bond has grown between us.
Photo credit : Mike Pitches
TESTIMONIES FROM THE CAST
“The Passion has affected me in a positive way, but also in a very sad way. I actually felt I was there at the Crucifixion scene, but knowing that Jesus died for our sins is something that will always be with me. His Resurrection is our salvation. There are critical life lessons from the Way of the Cross that we can carry forward into our own lives.”
— Mark Thompson who played Peter
“Nothing prepared me for the cruel and visceral nature of the whole story when I was actually living it by having a part in the Passion Play. To think that a man was willing to go through such an experience for me, even though he knew it had to happen, is overwhelming. And I would like to add that the Resurrection scene where Jesus came to us as a brother into our ordinary everyday life affected me powerfully. It was a privilege to be part of the Passion Play and bring the real story to people.”
— Mary Craddock who played Mary, Mother of James and John
“I found myself deeply moved to compassion and empathy with this outcast disciple. He was there with Jesus for everything… except the resurrection. One wrong choice… for whatever reason… followed by a fatal final choice that robbed him of the second chance that Peter was given. Or did it? I couldn’t help wondering… did Judas encounter Jesus on the other side of death? Did Judas get a chance to repent? Like me he made mistakes. Am I any better than Judas?
Jesus, lived, died and lives again, for me. For you. And yes, I believe it: even for Judas.”