A production of the Chester City Passion, which took place for the first time last Easter, will be back on the city streets on Good Friday next year.
Chester Mystery Plays in association with Churches Together, Theatre in the Quarter and Link-Up will mount the spectacle, which brought crowds to the city earlier this year. The company used Chester’s streets and Rows as a theatre, telling the story from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (under the Eastgate Clock) to the Crucifixion outside the West Door of the Cathedral.
The 100 strong community cast was joined by children from local schools, Roman Soldiers, Karamba Samba and Town Crier David Mitchell.
Chairman of the Chester Mystery Plays Company Jo Sykes: “So many people expressed a desire for this unique production to be seen again.
“We all felt we should make it happen despite the inevitable funding difficulties.”
Artistic director of Theatre in the Quarter Matt Baker will return to direct the production.
He said: “I’m really happy to be able to be a part of this very special event again and to use our fantastic city centre as a backdrop. The fabulous Christmas lights switch on brought back memories of Good Friday with amazing community performers and the streets thronged with people. Let’s hope we have glorious weather next Easter to make it perfect!”
Andy Glover of Link-Up added: “The Chester City Passion was a wonderful project to be involved in. The churches across the city worked together with the Mystery Plays and Theatre in the Quarter to produce a spellbinding celebration of theatre and faith. We are really looking forward to doing it again and to welcoming thousands of people to this exceptional event.”
The next production of the historic Chester Mystery Plays will be from June 27-July 14 2018 in the nave of Chester Cathedral. Tickets are now on sale from Chester Cathedral Box Office.
For more information see chestermysteryplays.com.
