Houghton Passion Play took place on Good Friday at the evocative location of the Hillside Cemetery. Despite the rain, in great British style, a good crowd gathered to walk with Jesus through his last moments from Gethsemane to Golgotha.
Jesus dies
Rector Sue Pinnington said:
“People were incredibly moved and it was almost as if in some strange way that the dark and sombre day added and heightened the tension of the story being told.
We were committed to doing it outside. There were about 150 people there. Some people brought umbrellas and in that typically British fashion just got on with it.”
A spectator, Victoria Halpin said: “It was an excellent performance. I really enjoyed it all, even in the rain!”
John Vilaseca Bruch, a trainee priest on placement with us played the role of Jesus. Rector Sue said of him: “John was superb and he really brought something very special to the portrayal. It truly brought out the nature of the suffering that Christ must have gone through.”
A choir performed the songs written by parishioner Stuart Clappison and the audience sang along with the refrain:
Help us to see that what you did long ago
was for all, you and me – that we might know
how great is your love, your mercy and grace.
Can we live in your ways ’till we meet face to face?
Help us to know that your Spirit is here.
Open our hearts and cast off all fear.
We must loosen the chains that bind us today
and carry our cross in your humble way.
A very big thank you to everyone who helped make the play such a success, from those who provided the sound, the musicians, the tents, to the council, the local police and all the wonderful volunteers who stewarded, performed and assisted in all kinds of ways. It wouldn’t have happened without everyone’s commitment, thank you.
The play has been reported on in the Northern Echo.
View the images below to follow the stations of the cross as portrayed in the Passion Play.