The Houghton-­le-­Spring Passion Play will be performed in the evocative location of the Houghton Hillside Cemetery at noon on Good Friday 3rd April. The play set in modern times in a “CNN news” reporting style and using music composed by parishioner Stuart Clappison is set to move hearts and minds for the second time in the open air. The audience becomes the crowd in this performance as the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial and execution is brought to life as the local actors weave through the cemetery depicting the stations of the cross.

The Rector of Houghton, Rev’d Canon Sue Pinnington said:

“this is the eleventh time this play has been performed in Houghton and just the second time we have used the Hillside Cemetery. Being outside adds a different dimension to the experience and enables us to present the Passion of Christ to a whole new audience. We’re excited to be able to bring the good news of Jesus out of church and into the open for all to see.”

A free shuttle bus will take spectators from the Broadway in front of St Michael and All Angels church up to the cemetery (please note that there is no on-­street parking at the venue).

This year a trainee priest, John Vilaseca Bruch, will be playing the part of Jesus, he said,

“I am honoured to be playing this role in the play. I am sure it will bring the story of the Passion of Christ alive for me in a very personal way. I hope our play will help people to put themselves into the story and experience its power.”

This free event is unique in the area and promises to be a moving experience for all who attend.

To find out how to get to Hillside Cemetery and for information on facilities available, please click here.

Here are some images of the play from 2012:

Notes for editors:

The event is free admission. No on-­street parking at the venue. A free mini bus shuttle will take spectators to the Hillside Cemetery from the Broadway: DH4 4DN. More information here.