Good Friday - Passion Play in Trafalgar Square - despite weather

In spite of heavy rain and freezing temperatures, the brave Wintershall Players - with James Burke-Dunsmore as Jesus and a cast of more than a hundred, along with horses, doves and donkey - gave two beautiful performances of The Passion of Jesus, in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday. In past years, the play has taken place under blue skies. This year the weather was disappointing, but cast and audience did not let it spoil the drama.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, attended the first performance and led the crowd in prayer before returned to the Cathedral for the Good Friday liturgy.

Producer Charlotte de Klee told ICN: "The Passion actors were sensational today. We had suggested that we cut down the second performance but none of them would hear of it. The audience were stoic as well, staying to the very end to cheers at the resurrection from under their umbrellas. No extra clothing was used but the thieves were wrapped in survival blankets, after their scenes. All kept going on lots of hot drinks and a useful new gazebo for a bit of shelter. But grit, determination and a large dose of the Holy Spirit got them all through triumphantly".

American visitor Laura Coogan from New York said: "If anything, the horrible weather conditions made the play more poignant. We shared a little bit of the discomfort. At the same time it showed the power of faith. What a wonderful witness. It was so lovely to see people of different denominations all praying together. I hope I get the chance to see this play again."

Speaking as the crowds left, Londoner Keir Andrews said: "I've seen this before. Its really on a par with the Oberammergau play. Wonderful well-paced writing, direction and fine performances. I really admire their dedication playing in these conditions."

The Wintershall Players are performing the Passion again this afternoon in Guilford, Surrey.

The Passion premiered in 1993 on the Wintershall Estate in Surrey.

Director Ashley Herman, and producer Charlotte de Klee, both appeared in the very first Passion production in 1993 as Narrator and Miriam and have been associated with it ever since. The actor and artist James Burke-Dunsmore has performed as Jesus on stage for more than 60 different productions to over a quarter of a million people, and 2018 marks his 21st year performing in the role. The rest of the company is made up of volunteer actors and stage crew from in and around London and the South East.

The Wintershall Players will be also perform the open-air Life of Christ at the Wintershall Estate in Surrey from 19-23 June and the famous Wintershall Nativity from 12-16 December.

For more information about Wintershall see: www.wintershall-estate.com

Read also: ICN 27 March 2018 - London: Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square www.indcatholicnews.com/news/34594