Play: Massabielle
The story of Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette is brought vividly to life in this excellent production from the Parish Players at Holy Apostles Hall in Pimlico, central London. Based on an adaptation of the bestselling book 'The Song of Bernadette', the play traces Bernadette's life from her childhood, to the apparitions and final days in a convent.
Although I've been to Lourdes several times I hadn't realised before the sequence of events which took place there - the fact that more than a thousand people came to watch Bernadette during the last apparitions at the Grotto and the response of the Church and the community to this extraordinary event.
Claudia Penas gave a very touching performance in the lead role and the supporting cast - especially Colin Lavender as the Dean of Lourdes and Amanda Volpe as the rather unsympathetic headmistress, Sr Marie Therese. The play is very ably directed by Eileen Sheedy.
With actors ranging from six months to over 80 years, the Holy Apostles Drama Group has performed a huge range of religious plays, pantomimes, variety concerts, drama, comedies and farces since it was formed 21 years ago.
There are two more performances of Massabielle - this Saturday, 20th September at 7.45pm and Sunday 21st September at 3pm in the Holy Apostles hall, Cumberland Street, London SW1V 4LY. Tickets are £5 on the door or on sale after Masses,