Passion Plays for Easter 2026
Passion Plays and the true story of Easter
Passion Plays tell the real story of Easter and are one of the most popular free Easter events for all to enjoy. For many people, the best way to learn about the true meaning of Easter is to see it acted and Passion Plays do exactly that! The Easter story is about Jesus and we learn about him as a real person who healed the sick and gave food to starving people and protected children and made them laugh. He brought freedom from despair and gave joy to many people. Find out what happened to him and why he allowed himself to be put to death even though he was innocent.
Professional actors often work with large volunteer casts to rehearse for many months ahead of Easter. They work together to explore the life and death of Jesus Christ and how to bring the Gospel accounts to life through performance. The final performances take place during the Easter weekend or during Holy Week and everyone is invited to watch.
What is so good about Passion Plays?
The best thing about Passion Plays is that they are free and take place on the streets, city centres and market squares around the UK. Often the action moves between different locations, so you follow the actors from place to place and the story takes place around you. The actors are sometimes in the crowd that gathers and sometimes the crowd itself becomes part of the performance!
Each location is an important or significant location – whether it is a famous tourist spot, or a place of great beauty, or a unique or a historically meaningful part of town. The Passion story gives new meaning to the physical spaces and you remember the words Jesus spoke or what happened to him when you walk down that street or turn that corner.
What do people say after watching a Passion Play?
Some people make Passion Plays a part of their Easter and find one to watch every year. Other people are surprised to find themselves watching a Passion Play that took place while they were shopping or out for the day with their family. The live performances are compelling and as you know live theatre offers a unique experience that can’t quite be captured by watching a film or reading a book.
The joy at Jesus’ resurrection at the end was palpable. – Katie, Oxford
I’m not religious but what an amazing day…a wonderful project bringing a diverse community together. Thanks to everyone who put so much work into it – Yvette, Manchester
Not usually my thing but had a wonderful time. Hours of practice for all involved but the result was super. The choir was excellent too, very uplifting. Well done everyone! – Karen, Manchester
I got more than blessings watching. I burst into tears when Jesus walked back alive. Thank you all so much for your hard work. – Susan, Havant
A very moving portrayal, particularly the sight of the three crosses in front of the Cathedral. There was a lady nearby who stood up crying as Jesus was raised onto the cross…it brought home how those who witnessed this event at the time, must have felt. There were lots of people there from various churches, but I hope that the Christian message of Easter reached others who may have forgotten. Thank you. – Joanne, Manchester
An amazing love story uplifting the spirit strengthens the faith. Messages of love peace and sacrifice hope it has reached to those who have forgotten about it. – Neelum, Manchester
It felt like we’d been present at Jesus’ crucifixion. – Dorothy, Lanarkshire
Made story seem more real. Ordinary people playing ordinary people. – Pete, Lanarkshire
I am having a difficult time at the moment, struggling and questioning my faith at times, and seeing this presentation helped me to feel stronger and touched me deeply – Anon, Lanarkshire
WELL DONE EVERYONE!!!! We thought it was just brilliant! No other words for it. Really VERY moving at times and so well put together. Thoroughly enjoyed it and were pleased that the weather for all performances was fairly kind and that there was such a good attendance this afternoon. – Ian, Havant
Thankyou so much. This was very moving and emotional. Amazing actors and actresses. A wonderful way to celebrate Easter. I hope this can be a regular event. Much appreciated. Happy Easter everyone. – Jeanette, Hull
Huge thanks to everyone who took part and all the stewards and supporters too. It was powerful and moving. – Heather, Hull
An incredible, unforgettable experience – Adrienne, Hereford
The response from young people coming into town for a night and encountering the dress rehearsal in the streets was amazing. So many curious and open to watch what was going on. So many conversations about their own spiritual seeking. On the day the city was buzzing. – John, Hereford
Very moving and made you feel as if you were there and part of the story. – Anon, Lanarkshire
A truly unique and deeply moving event that I felt privileged to be part of. – Anonymous, Liverpool
What a wonderful achievement. I was so inspired by the interpretation of the Passion Narrative, especially the grieving mother. I am so impressed with the talent of those acting.– Caroline, Oxford
Moving and powerful. I loved the idea of setting the story in a contemporary context and felt very involved in the drama. The familiar story took me through a gamut of emotions and left me feeling uplifted by its message. – Marion, Norwich
I just want to thank you for letting me be in the Passion Play. It was awesome beautiful. And when We got to the scene of the cross, I really felt it was happening & I cried with real tears. It was truly a beautiful & emotional moment. & I loved every bit of it. – Sue, Norwich
Where can I see a Passion Play in 2026?
This year you can see a Passion Play in Trafalgar Square – this is the most famous one and you may have already seen iconic photographs of Jesus and Roman Centurions beneath Nelson’s Column and Landseer’s lions. In Reading a Passion Play takes place in the picturesque and popular Forbury Gardens, near the site of a large and influential medieval monastery. You can visit the ruins and walk along the river while you are there. In Edinburgh you can see a Passion Play in Princes Street Gardens full of beautiful spring flowers under the imposing bulk of Edinburgh Castle in the background. In Oxford you can see one in Bonn Square taking place half outdoors and half in the church on the Square. In Derry you can find one on the city walls and follow the actors around the medieval walls that protected the city.
You can use the map on our website or browse our blogs to see more information about some of the larger plays with links to their website and social media.
Also Christian theatre companies around the UK are putting on smaller productions that tour the country. You can also check our map to see if any are taking place near you!
