Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square

Actor James Burke-Dunsmore plays Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday

On Good Friday, 15 April, the renowned Wintershall Players return to the heart of London with their awe-inspiring full-scale re-enactment of The Passion of Jesus, performed in the shadow of the National Gallery. Supported by the Mayor of London, the open-air production was first produced in London in 2010.

With a cast of more than a hundred, all in resplendent costumes, along with horses, doves and a donkey, The Passion has now become a highly anticipated Easter fixture, attracting more than 20,000 people to its two London performances. (During the covid lockdown there were performances online)

The play was written by Peter Hutley, directed by Ashley Herman, and produced by Charlotte de Klee. The actor and artist James Burke-Dunsmore will once again take the role of Jesus. The rest of the company is made up of volunteer actors and stage crew from in and around London and the South East.

There are two performances of The Passion of Jesus on Trafalgar Square on Friday 15 April 2022 - at 12 noon and 3.15pm. Admission is free.

Those who can't make it to London for the performances will be able to watch The Passion live as both performances will be shown via a Facebook Live Stream - www.facebook.com/Wintershallplay. and available to watch on Wintershall's Youtube channel. www.youtube.com/user/wintershallplayers/featured

This performance contains a realistic interpretation of the crucifixion. Parental guidance is advised.

A big screen is used so wherever you are you can see and hear the acting. BSL interpreters will be available for both London performances.

The Wintershall Estate, in the heart of the Surrey countryside, is privately owned and comprises park land and a farm. Peter and Ann Hutley have lived at Wintershall for nearly 50 years and under their stewardship, the estate has expanded into a haven for wildlife, mature woodland and farmland. It is also the home of the theatrical productions of The Life of Christ and The Wintershall Nativity.

The Wintershall production The Life of Christ was written and adapted from the Bible by Peter Hutley to mark the Millennium. Staged as a one-off production in 1999, it has been performed every year since. Production of the great Wintershall religious plays performed in Surrey and London has been passed to the next generation of the Hutley family, ensuring that the tradition stays alive.

In 2004, Peter received an MBE for services to the community, and was appointed a Knight of the Order of Saint Gregory, while his wife Ann was made a Dame. In 2012 Peter was awarded an OBE for services to Christian understanding.

For more information see: www.wintershall.org.uk/