The Easter story is being brought to life in spectacular fashion on stage this week in Greater Manchester.
Passion play The Last Days is being put on at The Bridge Church in Bolton, which has a large and well-equipped theatre, for three nights starting this evening (Wednesday 6 April).
Director Rob Slater, who has appeared in small roles in TV shows such as Peaky Blinders, is leading a cast of more than 30 through the two-hour show dramatising the final days of Jesus.
In 11 scenes the Passion play tells the Easter story from Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem to his arrest, betrayal and torture, his crucifixion and his resurrection when he returned from the dead.
Previous Passion plays have been put on at Easter in Bolton and attracted massive crowds, while a high-profile one in Manchester was televised.
The cast ranges from experienced actors to theatrical newcomers and there is a sense of relief that the production is happening this year as it was previously scuppered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Director Rob, who also plays the central role of Jesus, says he hopes the production will appeal to Christians and those who do not share the faith.
He said: “For believers this is a chance to relive the Easter story. For non-believers it’s a chance to question what they are seeing. Is this guy a prophet or is he actually the Messiah?”
The Passion play The Last Days is being staged from tonight (Wednesday 6 April) until Friday 8 April. Performances start at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £4 and available from The Bridge Church’s website.
Photographer Phil Taylor snapped these stunning images of the play being brought to life at its dress rehearsal.
Director Rob Slater, who has appeared in small roles in TV shows such as Peaky Blinders, is leading a cast of more than 30 through the two-hour show dramatising the final days of Jesus.
5. Bolton Passion Play performance
The Last Days depicts the Easter story in 11 dramatic scenes covering Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, his arrest, betrayal and torture and his rising from the dead Photo: Phil Taylor
6. Bolton Passion Play performance
The team behind the play is hoping it will appeal to both Christians and non-believers during the Lent and Easter period Photo: Phil Taylor
7. Bolton Passion Play performance
The cast ranges from people like director Rob with TV and film experience to newcomers to the stage Photo: Phil Taylor
8. Bolton Passion Play performance
Large-scale Passion Plays in Bolton have previously been staged attracting audiences of thousands and a huge one in Manchester was televised Photo: Phil Taylor