WIRRAL is set to host its first live real-time Passion Play next Easter – and the organisers want Globe readers to get involved.
The plays, which tell the story of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, have become increasingly popular in recent years with both Liverpool and Manchester among the cities to host their own events.
But this is the first time Wirral has got in on the act and casting has yet to be finalised – with an audition day being held next weekend.
The Passion Play is being held in some of Wirral's most beautiful parks and is just part of a four-day community spectacular.
The performance starts on Maundy Thursday (March 29) with a huge Last Supper in New Brighton Dips.
The event will include a communal Big Sing on Good Friday and creative workshops in Birkenhead Priory on Easter Saturday before climaxing in a Festival of Music and Light in Birkenhead Park on Easter Sunday, April 1.
The whole event, which has been backed by Bishop of Birkenhead the Rt Revd Keith Sinclair, is being organised by Iona Farley (pictured, below), formerly of Off The Ground Theatre and a veteran of outdoor drama.
She said: "We are looking for actors of all ages to rehearse and perform the Passion Play.
"Maybe you're up for a main role and think you could be our Jesus or our Peter, or perhaps you’ve got a glint in your eye and fancy playing Judas.
"You might just want a small role – with 34 parts up for grabs there should be something to suit everyone.
"It will happen in real time and in modern dress and we’ll be using all the multi-media that we have at our disposal – with Jesus' followers' receiving updates about his imminent crucifixion and more."
Wirral's own Brendan McCoy – whose credits include Star Wars: Rogue One and the Rupert Grint-starring TV series Snatch – has signed up to play Barabbas, with former LIPA drama teacher Calli Hughes cast as Mary.
There will also be a drama workshop for 14-18-year-olds run by Off The Ground's Daniel Cambridge and Claire Watson at St Mary's Church in Upton on Friday December 1 between 6pm and 9pm.
Iona added: "As well as the four-day Passion itself, we're staging a performance of the modern passion play 72 on Easter Saturday, the casting for which will be done at the workshop.
"Whether you've got lots of acting experience or none at all, we’d love to see you.
"We're not just looking for actors – we want to hear from artists, choirs, teachers, youth groups, bloggers and more.
"Maybe you have a gift for welcoming people, or would like to join our costume and props team – if you want to get involved we want to hear from you."
Contact the Christ’s Passion for Wirral team at cpfw2018@gmail.com.
There is also a JustGiving page if Globe readers would like to support the project financially – find it at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/christspassionforwirral2018
Casting for the main Passion Play will be held at the St Mary’s Centre in Saughall Massie this Saturday, November 25.
Email cpfw2018@gmail.com for an audition slot.
Find out more at www.wirralpassionplay.co.uk, on Facebook Christ's Passion for Wirral or by emailing directly at cpfw2018@gmail.com
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