Good Friday Passion Play in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square in central London will be transformed into the Jerusalem of two millenniums ago, on Good Friday, when the 100-strong cast of Wintershall Players, accompanied by a number of animals, re-enact the Passion of Christ at 12 noon and 3.15pm.
The epic performances will be relayed to massive screens and high quality sound systems will carry the actors' words around the Square. BSL interpreters will also be available. More than 20,000 people are expected to come and watch each play.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols has blessed the play. Commenting when production first came to London eight years ago, the Cardinal said: "I am delighted that people from so many Christian denominations will be coming together to remind Londoners why the bank holiday of Good Friday is observed. The Wintershall plays have, for many years, brought the scriptures alive to many thousands of people. The production of the Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square will build on that and bring the true meaning of Easter to many more in the centre of London."
Scriptwriter and director Peter Hutley MBE said: "The support we are receiving from so many churches demonstrates the unity of the denominations in the birth, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus. I hope the play will bring faith in Christ to those who don't know about him, remind those who do, and develop faith as the greatest gift that mankind can have."
There will also be Passion Plays in Guildford and Staines on Easter Saturday. Check ICN listings and news for more details
Watch some short clips from last year's performance here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss6DwclMUmc
See some images with Fr Nikodimos Kabarnos singing 'Eksedysan me' here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZyXzew-0g8
For more information about the Wintershall Estate see: www.wintershall-estate.com/events/the-passion-of-jesus/