Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square

Scene from last year's production - image ICN

State of the art technology will bring the live performance of The Passion of Jesus to an even greater audience in Trafalgar Square this Good Friday. Two free performances at noon and 3.15pm will be relayed to a 56 sqm LED screen by Nelson's column and high quality sound systems will carry the actors' words around the Square.

Script writer and producer, Peter Hutley said: "Last year's performances brought in huge crowds, estimated at 15,000, and we're making it an even better experience for them this year. The GLA has given us huge support and in addition to improved technology we are building two stages so that everyone has a good view".

The play centres around the tension and drama of Christ's trial, the agony and torment of his crucifixion and the joy of his resurrection. A cast of more than 70, from the renowned Wintershall plays, recreate the events in Jerusalem on that first Good Friday.

The triumphal entry into Jerusalem gives way to Christ's trial and his crucifixion and finally to the joy of his resurrection.

One member of the audience last year said: "It was FANTASTIC and wonderful ... a flawless production and I will never forget the glorious colours ...the total silence of an awe struck audience ... one could have heard a pin drop during the crucifixion"
Audience comment from the 2010 production

The blessing at the end of the first performance on Good Friday will be given by the Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, who 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."

Peter Hutley, MBE, author and producer of The Passion, 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."

For more information see: www.passionofjesus-trafalgar.co.uk