Mary hugs her son Jesus after he is resurrected, her face over his shoulder is full of emotion "It was the first time I thought of Jesus as my friend." Jesus stands with his arms up above his head and in front of him people lift their hands to him and a man in a turban turns to the camera. "I’m not religious but what an amazing day." "The kids and I were
completely blown away."

Where can I see a Passion Play?

Find locations and dates of Passion Plays taking place near you.

CLICK HERE

What is a
Passion Play?

Learn about Passion Plays, their origins and how they are performed today.

CLICK HERE

Can I put on a Passion Play?

Free information and resources to help you put on a Passion Play (opens new website).

CLICK HERE

Passion Plays in 2021

Picture of a crown of thorns with shadow on a pure white background. The text reads Cytun. For Bangor Passion Play.

Bangor

Logo with a crown of thorns, a drop of red blood and words in black saying One Good Friday: a passion play by Bath for Bath.

Bath

Outline of three purple crosses on top of the outline of a purple semi-circle. Underneath, the text reading Passion Play, Bishop Aukland

Bishop Auckland

White text on yellow background, details of the Chester Passion Play 2020

Chester

A wooden cross with the rolling hills of Oxfordshire and the Chilterns in the background under a blue sky. Words in white say Chinnor Passion Play 2020.

Chinnor

Words in white text reading The Edinburgh Passion 2022' with a white cross against a red background, for Edinburgh Passion Play.

Edinburgh 2022

Guildford

Guildford

Four black figures in a building with a cross on it with words in black and orange saying Drama Kirk: Bringing the Gospel to Life for its Passion Play in Hamilton.

Hamilton

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Heworth

Logo with a red cross and words in black that read Hornchurch Passion Play.

Hornchurch

A green cross and words in black and green saying One Good Friday 2020 for Horsham Passion Play.

Horsham

Logo of Lewes Passion Play with a crown of thorns in the shape of a rose.

Lewes

A woodcut image of Adam and Eve with a tree and snake with words in old-fashioned font saying Lincoln Mystery Plays.

Lincoln Mystery Plays

A white cross and words saying Liverpool Passion. Experience the Easter story, with a purple background.

Liverpool

A wooden cross against a red and yellow background looking like the sunrise with the test Lytham Passion Play.

Lytham

Brown crown of twisted thorns with a shadow on a white background for the Redditch Passion Play.

Redditch

Silhouette image of three crosses on a hill with people standing underneath them for the Settle Passion play.

Settle

A green cross and words in black and green saying One Good Friday 2020 for Horsham Passion Play.

Spelthorne

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

St Neots

Picture of Jesus, dressed in white addressing the crowds at Trafalgar Square London. Text on the image reads: Wintershall, Experience the story

Trafalgar Square

White text says Worcester Passion Play with an orange background.

Worcester

Passion Plays in 2019/2020

A vintage photo of a man in 1901 holding a sign advertising a Passion Play. Surrounded by people walking past.

1901: Rare Passion Play footage!

An image of the United Kingdom with pins to locate Passion Plays taking place in 2023.

2023 Passion Play

Poster text reads The Aberdeen Passion presents Pilate. A man of mistakes and missed opportunities. A brand new short play.

Aberdeen Passion

Three red crosses and two red footprints with black numbers '2019'

Abingdon

Two footprints in red paint on either side of three small crosses and the text 'Abingdon Passion Play' in red.

Abingdon

A crowd of actors gathers round a central figure giving a speech. All wear middle eastern dress in a scene from Cape Town Passion Play.

Africa

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Alresford Passion

A crown of thorns with buildings behind and text: poster advertising the Angola Passion Play, The Life of Christ at Louisiana State Penitentiary.

America

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Andover Passion Play and Nativity

A cross with a circle of light around it.

Anglia Square, Norfolk

A group of actors in middle eastern dress gather around a fire in a scene from the Fife Nativity in Auchtermuchty.

Auchtermuchty Nativity

Jesus and his disciples on a boat on a lake at sunset as part of a Passion Play in Australia.

Australia

Black and white woodcut of the cross with the risen Jesus standing in front of it with his arms wide for Ballylinan Passion Play.

Ballylinan

Picture of a crown of thorns with shadow on a pure white background. The text reads Cytun. For Bangor Passion Play.

Bangor

Barnet

Barnet

Logo with a crown of thorns, a drop of red blood and words in black saying One Good Friday: a passion play by Bath for Bath.

Bath

Poster with the cross and bold red text which says The Bedford Passion Play.

Bedford

A poster for the 2018 Belper Passion Play. A sunset with three crosses in the background. The foreground shows half of a face off actor dressed as a Roman soldier.

Belper

A poster with Jesus crucified and white text on the right-hand side giving details of free, live performance

Belper

Jesus on the cross, with a crown of thorns on his head. Text reads Beverley Passion.

Beverley Passion

A Silhouette of a crown of thorns is off the left hand side of the poster, with a single red droplet dropping from it. Underneath, the text reads in black: First Light. A Passion Play for Hertford. The 't' in Hertford is a Red Cross.

Bewdley

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Billericay

A man in a hoody with arms out wide overlooking a cityscape with the text A Passion for Birmingham.

Birmingham

Large hands are clasped together in prayer over a city. Text reads The Birmingham Passion Play 2019.

Birmingham

Outline of three purple crosses on top of the outline of a purple semi-circle. Underneath, the text reading Passion Play, Bishop Aukland

Bishop Auckland

Three purple crosses on a hill with the words 'Passion Play, Bishop Auckland' in purple letters.

Bishop Auckland

A montage of images from the Bolton Passion staged in 2016 centred on Jesus carrying the cross with main text saying Passion for Bolton.

Bolton

Three crosses on a hill under a red sky with words reading The Last Days: A Passion Play portraying events during the last week of the life of Jesus, in Bolton.

Bolton

A cross with a circle of light around it.

Bootle

A man and roman soldier holding a cross in preparation for the crucifixion scene on Brent Tor, part of Brentor Passion Play.

Brentor

Drawing in stained-glass style of hand nailed to a cross, in front of which colourful text says Brigg Passion Play.

Brigg Passion Play

Three crosses with the colourful logo in front for Brighton's Soul by the Sea.

Brighton’s Soul by the Sea

A poster with a purple background and words in gold and purple saying 'Born for this: A Passion Play'.

Bristol

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Brynmawr (and Abergavenny)

A green cross with the words 'one good Friday 2022'

Burton on Trent

A group of actors in middle eastern dress walk up a road in Bury St Edmunds for the Passion Play, surrounded by buildings.

Bury St Edmunds

A crown of thorns on a yellow background.

Cambridge

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Cardiff Nativity

Three white crosses on a white hill against a red background. Words in white and black say Carlisle Passion Play: Easter 2019.

Carlisle

A makeshift stage on the high street of York with people in medieval garb preparing for a live performance of the York Mystery Plays

Censoring the Passion in early modern England

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Chatham

Cheadle

Cheadle

Chester Mystery Play logo with a smiley-faced sun and purple text for the reviews.

Chester

A yellow poster with small images of Pontius Pilate, a Roman Centurion, and Jesus with words in white saying Chester City Passion: Good Friday 2020.

Chester

White text on yellow background, details of the Chester Passion Play 2020

Chester

Against a dark purple background, the words Chester Mystery Plays with 2023 highlighted below. The years 2013 and 2018 appear to the left of 2023, but out of focus. And to the right 2028 and 2033 appear in the same way

Chester Mystery Plays

Men and women in bright robes lift their arms towards Jesus standing in the background in white light and dressed in a white robe.

Chester Mystery Plays

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Chichester

Chinnor Passion Play logo with a purple mountain in the background.

Chinnor

A wooden cross with the rolling hills of Oxfordshire and the Chilterns in the background under a blue sky. Words in white say Chinnor Passion Play 2020.

Chinnor

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Clonard

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Clydach Passion Play

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Colchester

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Corby Passion Play

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Cowbridge

A red letter P, with a black nail and Cowley Road street sign crossing in front for the Cowley Road Passion Play.

Cowley Road, Oxford

A poster for Crewe Passion Play with a red cross, heart and crown of thorns and writing in black and red saying 'Crew Passion Play: Good Friday Walk of Witness.'

Crewe

Two actors playing Roman soldiers in costume flank the actor playing Jesus who wears a purple robe and crown of thorns - performing a Passion Play scene with central Cromer's buildings in the background.

Cromer

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Croydon Passion

Darlington Passion Play

Darlington Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Derbyshire Passion Play

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Derry

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Devizes Passion Play

Four men standing on a stone balcony enacting a Passion Play seen by Shakespeare.

Did Shakespeare watch a Passion Play? Part 1

An actor portraying a wounded Jesus carries the cross at the hand of a roman solider in front of an old church. Part of a Passion Play

Did Shakespeare watch a Passion Play? Part 2

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Didcot

An old man and a young boy in traditional costume looking towards the viewer with the words in white The Road to Easter. An example of a digital passion play.

Digital Passion Plays

An actor in full Roman soldier costume stands inside a church with a strong green light on him. Behind him is a vivid stained glass window.

Do you want to learn stage fighting?

Donkeys, Doves, Horses and a guide dog!

Donkeys, Doves, Horses and a guide dog!

Logo with sillouette of three figures in a building with a cross on it. Text in black and orange says Drama Kirk: Bringing the Gospel to Life. They stage the People's Passion.

Drama Kirk

An illustration of Jesus, the cross with red, blue and green. A poster for the Duddingston Kirk Passion Play, To the Cross.

Duddingston Kirk

The back view of three crosses and behind them the glass buildings of Norwich City centre.

Dudley

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Dumfries

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Dundee

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Durham

A man from the crowd helps Jesus carrying the cross on his back down the high street followed by a large crowd and some soldiers carrying shields. They are all in contemporary clothes. For Easter 2022.

Easter 2022

An actor portraying a mortally wounded Jesus is hung on a large wooden cross against a bright blue sky as part of an Easter Play.

Easter Dates 2023

A crowd of shadowy figures stand in a dark park with a domed building lit behind them.

Easter Monologues

A previously lame lady celebrates, running towards the camera. Jesus, dressed in white, walks behind her, as part of the Easter story.

Easter Weekend 2023

A poster for the Edinburgh Easter Play 2018 with the words 'Hope Rises' and an image of Jesus with crown of thorns on his head.

Edinburgh

Jesus with a crown of thorns for Edinburgh Easter Play.

Edinburgh

Roman soldiers raise the cross on which Jesus is crucified and a group of his followers and friends stand behind weeping.

Edinburgh

Words in white text reading The Edinburgh Passion 2022' with a white cross against a red background, for Edinburgh Passion Play.

Edinburgh 2022

Two Roman centurions in red robes and feathered helmets hammer Jesus' hands on the cross and place crown of thorns on his head.

Epsom

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Europassion

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Europe

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Exeter Passion

A man stripped to his waist with his hands tied in front of him is being whipped by Roman soldiers.

Famous Passion Plays from 1634 to 2024

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Find a Passion Play

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Firs & Bromford Estate, Birmingham

Formby, Altcar and Hightown

Formby, Altcar and Hightown

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Free Easter Passion Plays for 2024

Crowds gather on a sunny day to watch the Norwich Passion Play in the city centre.

Gatton

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Gillingham

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Glasgow

A white brick wall illuminated by three stage lights, in front of which stylisted text says Lentfest.

Glasgow

Logo of the Gloucester Mystery Plays. Three letters in medieval script: G M O.

Gloucester Mystery Plays

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Great North Passion

A high contrast image in bright colours shows a close up drawing of Jesus' face hanging down with red hair and a yellow background. The text reads The Passion of Christ Great Waltham, 9th - 16th April 2017

Great Waltham

Guildford

Guildford

Four black figures in a building with a cross on it with words in black and orange saying Drama Kirk: Bringing the Gospel to Life for its Passion Play in Hamilton.

Hamilton

An actor portraying Jesus is surround by three disciples looking in the same direction. Across the image is the word Hamilton for its Passion Play.

Hamilton

Square picture with actor portraying Jesus smiling in the centre. Around him, are eleven followers of Jesus all smiling at him or reaching out to touch him. As part of the Havant Passion Play 2019.

Havant

A woman in middle eastern dress holding a clay jar for Havant Passion Play.

Havant

A woman in middle eastern dress holding a clay jar for Havant Passion Play.

Havant

In a scene from The Chosen Jesus and his disciples stand on a hill facing the camera in traditional costumes of brown, beige and white.

Have you seen The Chosen?

Profile of Jesus with head bowed in front of an altar in golden light.

Hereford

A crown of thorns in black and white with red blood dripping from it. Text says First Light, a Passion Play for Hertford.

Hertford Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Heworth

Logo with a red cross and words in black that read Hornchurch Passion Play.

Hornchurch

A green cross and words in black and green saying One Good Friday 2020 for Horsham Passion Play.

Horsham

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Houghton-le-Spring

A crowd of people gathered to watch a Passion Play with buildings

How can I find a Passion Play?

Two people stand with their back to the camera, with their arms around each other, watching as three people are on crosses in front of a church.

How long is a Passion Play?

Jesus carrying a cross, with a crown of thorns in preparation for his Roman crucifixion.

How to stage a crucifixion

A man and roman soldier holding a cross in preparation for the crucifixion scene on Brent Tor, part of Brentor Passion Play.

How to stage the crucifixion

Poster for the Nottingham Passion with a black and white image of Jesus with a crown of thorns on his head and the cross behind him. The text says 'The Nottingham Passion'.

Hucknall

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Hurstpierpoint

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Idelwells Passion Play

A man in black holds Jesus back as he is arrested. Other men in black carry plastic shields and in the background are the glass shop fronts of the high street.

Inspiration from the Norwich Passion 2022

A woman in brightly coloured traditional costume for first century Jerusalem has been healed and is smiling and waving her arms. Behind her people are amazed because a miracle has occurred. For definition of a Passion Play.

Interesting statistics about Easter

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Isle of Man

Instagram page for Passion Plays UK with image of Jesus on a cross with a blue background and a centurion.

Join us on Instagram

Kendal castle silhouette with white figures and text saying Kendal Community Theatre, for Kendal Passion Play.

Kendal

A black cross on a hill with the sea in the background under a sunset sky. Words in white say Passion Play 2019.

Kendal 2019 / 2020

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Kent

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Kingston-Upon-Thames

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Lancaster

A capital E in swirling font with three black stars and one red star for North Lancashire Passion Play.

Lancaster

Leeds

Leeds

Jesus carries the cross surrounded by disciples in traditional costume and a woman in a blue dress with text that says 'The Passion'

Leek

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Leicester

Jesus carries the cross surrounded by disciples in traditional costume and a woman in a blue dress with text that says 'The Passion'

Leicester

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Leigh-on-Sea

Medieval writing says Leominster Passion Play.

Leominster

Lewes

Lewes

Logo of Lewes Passion Play with a crown of thorns in the shape of a rose.

Lewes

The logo for Lichfield Mysteries community arts with two theatre masks in rainbow colours. For Lichfield Mystery Plays.

Lichfield

A black and white photo of Jesus' face looking troubled for the Limerick Passion Play 2014 Walk with Him.

Limerick

A woodcut image of Adam and Eve with a tree and snake with words in old-fashioned font saying Lincoln Mystery Plays.

Lincoln Mystery Plays

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Littlehampton Passion Play

Liverpool

Liverpool

A white cross and words saying Liverpool Passion. Experience the Easter story, with a purple background.

Liverpool

An empty cross with a robe draped over it in a purple image with words in white saying The Liverpool Passion Plays.

Liverpool (Cathedral)

Jesus stands centre stage facing his mother, he is holding her hands as he looks down. He is surrounded by others who are kneeling in his presence as part of the Liverpool Passion Play in 2022

Liverpool Cathedral

Text says The Liverpool Passion Plays on at Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

London Plays

Londonderry

Londonderry

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Louth Passion Play

Jesus stands with his arms up above his head and in front of him people lift their hands to him and a man in a turban turns to the camera.

Love and the Passion

A wooden cross against a red and yellow background looking like the sunrise with the test Lytham Passion Play.

Lytham

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Lytham Passion Play

Mablethorpe

Mablethorpe

A red crown of thorns and words inside saying the Easter play, in Maidstone.

Maidstone

A black cross on a hill with the sea in the background under a sunset sky. Words in white say Passion Play 2019.

Malvern Mystery Plays

White poster with a colour cross, set on dark yellow background. Text says Manchester Passion.

Manchester

A poster illustration of the cross in grey and red with the words Marlborough Community Passion Play 2017.

Marlborough

Front page of the Church Times with a small image from the Nottingham Passion Play and a large image of an icon.

Media coverage of 2023 Passion Plays

Two cupped hands holding a small pile of coins with a plant shoot sprouting out from them. All in front of an out-of-focus green bokeh background for New grant for Passion Plays 2023.

New grants for Passion Plays in 2023

A crown of thorns on a yellow background.

New Malden

Logo for The New Malden Passion Play. Words in yellow and white read 'The New Malden Passion Play 2019'.

New Malden

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Newark, Southwell Minster

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Newbury

Northumberland

Northumberland

Words in red and black read the Norwich Passion Play 2022.

Norwich

Crowds gather on a sunny day to watch the Norwich Passion Play in the city centre.

Norwich 2022

Crowds gather on a sunny day to watch the Norwich Passion Play in the city centre.

Norwich 2022

Blue banner in a church reading the Norwich Passion Play.

Norwich Passion Play: A short film

A poster for the Nottingham Passion Play. Information at the top and bottom of the poster appear in white text on a dark red background with a middle picture of a Jesus stone statue in greyscale. The words Nottingham Passion are printed over the top of the image.

Nottingham

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Nuneaton

A poster showing a drawing of Jesus with his head bowed and crowned with thorns and words in black saying The Passion: Experience the Journey to the Cross in Nuneaton.

Nuneaton

Logo for the Oxford Passion Play: a sword and a red outlined cross, with words circling them saying 'And a sword shall pierce your soul.'

Oxford

Oxford

Oxford

Jesus looks on, dressed in a green robe in front of an out-of-focus wooden cross that is mounted on a white wall behind him inside St Matthew's Church. As part of the Oxford Passion Play 2022.

Oxford 2022

Logo for Oxford Mystery Plays. A red circle, with internal white lines separating out the letters O, S and M

Oxford Mystery Plays

The Passion poster with Jesus on the cross surrounded by bright colours and the words 'A moving and memorable retelling of the Easter story.'

Passion Play Tour. LAMPS theatre company

Spit image with four images. In the first of two columns, three images stacked. Image one, a couple of modern soldiers beating Jesus who is on the ground. Image two, a modern dressed Jesus raises a goblet into the air while smiling. Four people around him seem happy while watching him. The third image shows a dead Jesus in the arms of a lady who is sad. The second column is a single image of a cross in the middle of an open road. The light glows from the cross. Text title reads 'The Road to the Cross, Oddments Theatre Co'.

Passion Play Tours. Oddments Theatre Company

Jesus stands against a blue sky with both arms raised above his head. In front of him are people lifting their hands towards him and one man in a turban turns round to shout to people behind him. For Community Theatre & Passion Plays.

Passion Plays and Community Theatre    

Actors portraying Jesus' followers in modern clothes sit at Jesus' feet as he teaches them. Around them all are crowds of people watching as part of the Passion Play in Norwich

Passion Plays coming soon!

Roman soldiers raise the cross on which Jesus is crucified and a group of his followers and friends stand behind weeping.

Passion Plays Conference 2023

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Passion Plays On Tour

A logo for Survey Monkey (green writing with a picture of a monkey's head). Text reads Help us help more passion plays! Inviting people to take the Passion Plays survey.

Passion Plays Survey

Judas kisses Jesus before his betrayal.

Performing Jesus

Logo with blue circles and a black cross with words in blue and black saying Poole Passion.

Poole

Jesus knees on the floor in a white robe under a spotlight and words above him read 'Poole Passion' with a black cross.

Poole

An actor who plays Jesus carries the cross beam on his shoulders with the help of a bystander. In the background are the shops on the high street in Birmingham. Around him is a large crowd in contemporary costume and a soldier in black uniform and dark glasses.

Preparing to play Jesus

A man in blue hunched over performs a scene from the Preston Passion Play, surrounded by a crowd of people.

Preston Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Previous Leicester Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Purbeck Passion Play

A small crowd of men and women in brightly coloured robes and head shawls waving scarves and singing as they dance and walk down the high street of Leek.

Putting on a Passion Play? Where to start

Reading

Reading

Reading

Reading

Redditch

Redditch

Brown crown of twisted thorns with a shadow on a white background for the Redditch Passion Play.

Redditch

Reedham Passion Play

Reedham Passion Play

A black crown of thorns and a red drop of blood with black words saying The Passion Richmond.

Richmond

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Romsey

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Sandford

Jesus on a cross for the Selsey Passion Play.

Selsey

Silhouette image of three crosses on a hill with people standing underneath them for the Settle Passion play.

Settle

Drawing of Jesus carrying the cross, green text above says Journey to the Cross for the Passion Play in Settle.

Settle

Settle

Settle

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Shipley Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Shoreham

Dressed in only a cream robe and white shorts, a man portraying Jesus walks his cross down a busy highstreet alongside two Roman soldiers and followed by a crowd of actors and audience as part of the Shrewsbury Passion Play 2019

Shrewsbury

A red cross with black text saying One Life One Passion South Woodham Ferrers.

South Woodham Ferrers

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Southampton

A black crown of thorns on a red background with words in white and black saying One Man's Passion: Easter 2019

Southampton Tour

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Southwold

A green cross and words in black and green saying One Good Friday 2020 for Horsham Passion Play.

Spelthorne

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

St Neots

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

St Neots

A crown of thorns with words in red and black saying St Neots Passion 2020.

St Neots

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

St Werburgh’s Passion Play

A woman with curly black hair with one arm lifted as she blows a whistle into a microphone. The text next to her is white on a red background and says The Stafford Passion Play 2023.

Stafford

Five Roman centurions marching Jesus, who is carrying his Cross in front of a row of houses

Stagefighting Workshops

Screen shot of You Tube clip with cartoon figures of Mary and Jesus as a baby with the words 'Mystery Plays' on a pink background.

Staging the Passion in Medieval England

A Roman guard with shield, with the text Wintershall, Experience the Story - in 2018.

Staines

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Stanborough Park Passion Play

A woman with short blond hair and glasses looks at the camera and laughs with a hand on her chest. She is wearing a bright blue cardigan and behind is a bright yellow background.

Stories from Directing the Passion by Suzanne Lofthus

Stratford-on-Avon

Stratford-on-Avon

Text says The Tavistock Passion, a community play for Easter, with a back crown of thorns, dripping with red blood. A blurred photo of Tavistock behind.

Tavistock

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Telford Passion

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Test

The Andover Passion 2017

The Andover Passion 2017

Three actors in colourful robes and headscarves are holding up costumes and inspecting them.

The Challenge: keeping the Passion story real

Jesus kneeling beneath the weight of the cross with Mary on her knees weeping and weeping women stand around them as part of the Easter Story.

The Easter Story

Jesus walks along Brighton beach surrounded by men, women and children waving palm branches. All of them are wearing traditional robes, shawls and sandals.

The Holy Week of Easter

An actor portraying a mortally wounded Jesus is hung on a large wooden cross against a bright blue sky as part of an Easter Play.

The long history of Easter plays

A poster with three people talking in black and white against a shadowed background. The text reads LAMPS presents THE PASSION

THE PASSION ON TOUR

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Tickwill

Medieval-stylised text says Tonbridge Passion Play 2014 in black and brown.

Tonbridge

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Torbay

Picture of Jesus, dressed in white addressing the crowds at Trafalgar Square London. Text on the image reads: Wintershall, Experience the story

Trafalgar Square

A smiling Jesus holds a happy boy, both looking towards the crowd at Trafalgar Square London Passion Play

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Trustees

Roman soldiers raise the cross on which Jesus is crucified and a group of his followers and friends stand behind weeping.

Volunteers: the hidden heroes

A black and white scene from a Passion Play featuring three people in The Passion's Wales tour.

Wales Tour

West Bridgford

West Bridgford

Jesus on the cross with hands outstretched and nails in his hands under a grey cloudy sky.

West Cheltenham

In the foreground is the back of a Middle Eastern man's head as he watches a Passion Play. In the blurred background is Jesus with his arms held wide and his disciples standing on each side of him.

What do people say about Passion Plays?

A woman in shawls and robe standing with a young boy and other women in traditional costume with a Roman centurion in the background.

What do to in the Easter holidays

Jesus and Peter facing each other and smiling as they embrace with a blue sky in the background.

What happened on Easter Sunday?

Jesus kneeling with part of the cross on his back, surrounded by guards in contemporary black uniform and glass shields against a backdrop of shops on the high street.

What happened on Good Friday?

Actors playing a roman soldier and Jesus walk through the crowd on a sunny day in Leek.

What is it like being in the cast of a Passion Play?

Actor portraying Jesus is hung on a wooden cross on top of a yellow brick stage with roman soldiers beside him below. Against a blue sky at the Brighton Passion Play

What is it like to play Jesus?

Jesus on a bicycle with his hand raised in front of the tall shopfront for Waterstones. He is surrounded by a crowd of his followers and all are in contemporary. costume.

What is it like to write a Passion Play?

A woman in brightly coloured traditional costume for first century Jerusalem has been healed and is smiling and waving her arms. Behind her people are amazed because a miracle has occurred. For definition of a Passion Play.

What is the definition of a Passion Play?

A woman in a robe and shawls holds a goblet in her hands and looks up at the camera with a smile on her face. At her head words are written 'A Light undimmed'.

What to eat at Easter?

A group of actors, including Jesus stand the middle of the High Street at Chester's Passion Play.

What was it like to witness the Chester Passion Play?

A close up of Jesus on the cross. He wears a crown of thorns and behind him are the bare branches of trees against a pale blue sky.

When is Easter 2024?

A small crowd of men and women in brightly coloured robes and head shawls waving scarves and singing as they dance and walk down the high street of Leek.

Where can I see Passion Plays from Easter 2023?

Jesus stands with his arms up above his head and in front of him people lift their hands to him and a man in a turban turns to the camera.

Who is Jesus?

An image of an actor portraying Mary, in pink middle-eastern costume as she kneels, hands together crying.

Who was Mary?

Jesus talking to a man, surround by disciples for Who Was Matthew and Who was Peter?

Who was Matthew?

Jesus talking to a man, surround by disciples for Who Was Matthew and Who was Peter?

Who was Peter?

Three men on crosses with Jesus in the middle and in the foreground one of the thieves who was also crucified as part of a Passion play telling the Easter story.

Why is Easter important?

A woman with a microphone and one arm in the air standing on a plinth surrounded by a large crowd.

Why watch a Passion Play this Easter?

The back of a man's head with cap watching a Passion Play. The blurred background shows Jesus, arms held wide with disciples standing on each side of him in the story of Easter.

Why Watch a Passion Play?

Jesus kneeling with part of the cross on his back, surrounded by guards in contemporary black uniform and glass shields against a backdrop of shops on the high street.

Why watch a Passion Play?

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Winchester

A cluster of buildings at the foot of a hill that has three crosses on it. On the other side of the hill are three men talking in long robes and sashes for the Winterbourne Passion Play.

Winterbourne

A Roman guard with shield, with the text Wintershall, Experience the Story - in 2018.

Wintershall

Silhouette of three crosses against sun, white text says One Sacrifice: Christ's Passion for Wirral.

Wirral

Jesus is pinned to a cross and is hoisted upward by several Roman Soldiers as part of the Withensea Passion Play entitled Easter Story.

Withensea

Withernsea Passion Play

Withernsea Passion Play

Wokingham

Wokingham

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Woodbridge

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Woodley Passion Play

A stylised cross resembling burnt wood, in brown and orange against a similar background for the Woodstock Passion play.

Woodstock

White text says Worcester Passion Play with an orange background.

Worcester

Against an orange background are white words saying Worcester Passion Play.

Worcester

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Worth Abbey

Three actors dressed in brightly coloured middle-eastern costume look towards something off-screen. They are lit by golden sun against a clear blue sky. As part of the Passion Play in Brighton

Would you like to write a Passion Play?

A crown of thorns in focus and blurred against and ochre background for Wroughton Passion Play.

Wroughton Passion Play

A road stretches out under a cloudy sky with a large wooden cross and words that read 'The Road to the Cross'.

Yeovil

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

York

An illustrated scene of the nativity on a wagon with wheels below and canopy and flags above. Blue words say York Mystery Plays.

York

Load more

Passion Plays in 2018 and before

A vintage photo of a man in 1901 holding a sign advertising a Passion Play. Surrounded by people walking past.

1901: Rare Passion Play footage!

An image of the United Kingdom with pins to locate Passion Plays taking place in 2023.

2023 Passion Play

Poster text reads The Aberdeen Passion presents Pilate. A man of mistakes and missed opportunities. A brand new short play.

Aberdeen Passion

Three red crosses and two red footprints with black numbers '2019'

Abingdon

Two footprints in red paint on either side of three small crosses and the text 'Abingdon Passion Play' in red.

Abingdon

A crowd of actors gathers round a central figure giving a speech. All wear middle eastern dress in a scene from Cape Town Passion Play.

Africa

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Alresford Passion

A crown of thorns with buildings behind and text: poster advertising the Angola Passion Play, The Life of Christ at Louisiana State Penitentiary.

America

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Andover Passion Play and Nativity

A cross with a circle of light around it.

Anglia Square, Norfolk

A group of actors in middle eastern dress gather around a fire in a scene from the Fife Nativity in Auchtermuchty.

Auchtermuchty Nativity

Jesus and his disciples on a boat on a lake at sunset as part of a Passion Play in Australia.

Australia

Black and white woodcut of the cross with the risen Jesus standing in front of it with his arms wide for Ballylinan Passion Play.

Ballylinan

Picture of a crown of thorns with shadow on a pure white background. The text reads Cytun. For Bangor Passion Play.

Bangor

Barnet

Barnet

Logo with a crown of thorns, a drop of red blood and words in black saying One Good Friday: a passion play by Bath for Bath.

Bath

Poster with the cross and bold red text which says The Bedford Passion Play.

Bedford

A poster for the 2018 Belper Passion Play. A sunset with three crosses in the background. The foreground shows half of a face off actor dressed as a Roman soldier.

Belper

A poster with Jesus crucified and white text on the right-hand side giving details of free, live performance

Belper

Jesus on the cross, with a crown of thorns on his head. Text reads Beverley Passion.

Beverley Passion

A Silhouette of a crown of thorns is off the left hand side of the poster, with a single red droplet dropping from it. Underneath, the text reads in black: First Light. A Passion Play for Hertford. The 't' in Hertford is a Red Cross.

Bewdley

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Billericay

A man in a hoody with arms out wide overlooking a cityscape with the text A Passion for Birmingham.

Birmingham

Large hands are clasped together in prayer over a city. Text reads The Birmingham Passion Play 2019.

Birmingham

Outline of three purple crosses on top of the outline of a purple semi-circle. Underneath, the text reading Passion Play, Bishop Aukland

Bishop Auckland

Three purple crosses on a hill with the words 'Passion Play, Bishop Auckland' in purple letters.

Bishop Auckland

A montage of images from the Bolton Passion staged in 2016 centred on Jesus carrying the cross with main text saying Passion for Bolton.

Bolton

Three crosses on a hill under a red sky with words reading The Last Days: A Passion Play portraying events during the last week of the life of Jesus, in Bolton.

Bolton

A cross with a circle of light around it.

Bootle

A man and roman soldier holding a cross in preparation for the crucifixion scene on Brent Tor, part of Brentor Passion Play.

Brentor

Drawing in stained-glass style of hand nailed to a cross, in front of which colourful text says Brigg Passion Play.

Brigg Passion Play

Three crosses with the colourful logo in front for Brighton's Soul by the Sea.

Brighton’s Soul by the Sea

A poster with a purple background and words in gold and purple saying 'Born for this: A Passion Play'.

Bristol

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Brynmawr (and Abergavenny)

A green cross with the words 'one good Friday 2022'

Burton on Trent

A group of actors in middle eastern dress walk up a road in Bury St Edmunds for the Passion Play, surrounded by buildings.

Bury St Edmunds

A crown of thorns on a yellow background.

Cambridge

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Cardiff Nativity

Three white crosses on a white hill against a red background. Words in white and black say Carlisle Passion Play: Easter 2019.

Carlisle

A makeshift stage on the high street of York with people in medieval garb preparing for a live performance of the York Mystery Plays

Censoring the Passion in early modern England

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Chatham

Cheadle

Cheadle

Chester Mystery Play logo with a smiley-faced sun and purple text for the reviews.

Chester

A yellow poster with small images of Pontius Pilate, a Roman Centurion, and Jesus with words in white saying Chester City Passion: Good Friday 2020.

Chester

White text on yellow background, details of the Chester Passion Play 2020

Chester

Against a dark purple background, the words Chester Mystery Plays with 2023 highlighted below. The years 2013 and 2018 appear to the left of 2023, but out of focus. And to the right 2028 and 2033 appear in the same way

Chester Mystery Plays

Men and women in bright robes lift their arms towards Jesus standing in the background in white light and dressed in a white robe.

Chester Mystery Plays

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Chichester

Chinnor Passion Play logo with a purple mountain in the background.

Chinnor

A wooden cross with the rolling hills of Oxfordshire and the Chilterns in the background under a blue sky. Words in white say Chinnor Passion Play 2020.

Chinnor

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Clonard

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Clydach Passion Play

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Colchester

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Corby Passion Play

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Cowbridge

A red letter P, with a black nail and Cowley Road street sign crossing in front for the Cowley Road Passion Play.

Cowley Road, Oxford

A poster for Crewe Passion Play with a red cross, heart and crown of thorns and writing in black and red saying 'Crew Passion Play: Good Friday Walk of Witness.'

Crewe

Two actors playing Roman soldiers in costume flank the actor playing Jesus who wears a purple robe and crown of thorns - performing a Passion Play scene with central Cromer's buildings in the background.

Cromer

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Croydon Passion

Darlington Passion Play

Darlington Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Derbyshire Passion Play

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Derry

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Devizes Passion Play

Four men standing on a stone balcony enacting a Passion Play seen by Shakespeare.

Did Shakespeare watch a Passion Play? Part 1

An actor portraying a wounded Jesus carries the cross at the hand of a roman solider in front of an old church. Part of a Passion Play

Did Shakespeare watch a Passion Play? Part 2

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Didcot

An old man and a young boy in traditional costume looking towards the viewer with the words in white The Road to Easter. An example of a digital passion play.

Digital Passion Plays

An actor in full Roman soldier costume stands inside a church with a strong green light on him. Behind him is a vivid stained glass window.

Do you want to learn stage fighting?

Donkeys, Doves, Horses and a guide dog!

Donkeys, Doves, Horses and a guide dog!

Logo with sillouette of three figures in a building with a cross on it. Text in black and orange says Drama Kirk: Bringing the Gospel to Life. They stage the People's Passion.

Drama Kirk

An illustration of Jesus, the cross with red, blue and green. A poster for the Duddingston Kirk Passion Play, To the Cross.

Duddingston Kirk

The back view of three crosses and behind them the glass buildings of Norwich City centre.

Dudley

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Dumfries

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Dundee

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Durham

A man from the crowd helps Jesus carrying the cross on his back down the high street followed by a large crowd and some soldiers carrying shields. They are all in contemporary clothes. For Easter 2022.

Easter 2022

An actor portraying a mortally wounded Jesus is hung on a large wooden cross against a bright blue sky as part of an Easter Play.

Easter Dates 2023

A crowd of shadowy figures stand in a dark park with a domed building lit behind them.

Easter Monologues

A previously lame lady celebrates, running towards the camera. Jesus, dressed in white, walks behind her, as part of the Easter story.

Easter Weekend 2023

A poster for the Edinburgh Easter Play 2018 with the words 'Hope Rises' and an image of Jesus with crown of thorns on his head.

Edinburgh

Jesus with a crown of thorns for Edinburgh Easter Play.

Edinburgh

Roman soldiers raise the cross on which Jesus is crucified and a group of his followers and friends stand behind weeping.

Edinburgh

Words in white text reading The Edinburgh Passion 2022' with a white cross against a red background, for Edinburgh Passion Play.

Edinburgh 2022

Two Roman centurions in red robes and feathered helmets hammer Jesus' hands on the cross and place crown of thorns on his head.

Epsom

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Europassion

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Europe

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Exeter Passion

A man stripped to his waist with his hands tied in front of him is being whipped by Roman soldiers.

Famous Passion Plays from 1634 to 2024

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Find a Passion Play

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Firs & Bromford Estate, Birmingham

Formby, Altcar and Hightown

Formby, Altcar and Hightown

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Free Easter Passion Plays for 2024

Crowds gather on a sunny day to watch the Norwich Passion Play in the city centre.

Gatton

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Gillingham

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Glasgow

A white brick wall illuminated by three stage lights, in front of which stylisted text says Lentfest.

Glasgow

Logo of the Gloucester Mystery Plays. Three letters in medieval script: G M O.

Gloucester Mystery Plays

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Great North Passion

A high contrast image in bright colours shows a close up drawing of Jesus' face hanging down with red hair and a yellow background. The text reads The Passion of Christ Great Waltham, 9th - 16th April 2017

Great Waltham

Guildford

Guildford

Four black figures in a building with a cross on it with words in black and orange saying Drama Kirk: Bringing the Gospel to Life for its Passion Play in Hamilton.

Hamilton

An actor portraying Jesus is surround by three disciples looking in the same direction. Across the image is the word Hamilton for its Passion Play.

Hamilton

Square picture with actor portraying Jesus smiling in the centre. Around him, are eleven followers of Jesus all smiling at him or reaching out to touch him. As part of the Havant Passion Play 2019.

Havant

A woman in middle eastern dress holding a clay jar for Havant Passion Play.

Havant

A woman in middle eastern dress holding a clay jar for Havant Passion Play.

Havant

In a scene from The Chosen Jesus and his disciples stand on a hill facing the camera in traditional costumes of brown, beige and white.

Have you seen The Chosen?

Profile of Jesus with head bowed in front of an altar in golden light.

Hereford

A crown of thorns in black and white with red blood dripping from it. Text says First Light, a Passion Play for Hertford.

Hertford Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Heworth

Logo with a red cross and words in black that read Hornchurch Passion Play.

Hornchurch

A green cross and words in black and green saying One Good Friday 2020 for Horsham Passion Play.

Horsham

A stone cross from a tombstone in the foreground with a church spire and thinner cross elevated in the grey cloudy sky.

Houghton-le-Spring

A crowd of people gathered to watch a Passion Play with buildings

How can I find a Passion Play?

Two people stand with their back to the camera, with their arms around each other, watching as three people are on crosses in front of a church.

How long is a Passion Play?

Jesus carrying a cross, with a crown of thorns in preparation for his Roman crucifixion.

How to stage a crucifixion

A man and roman soldier holding a cross in preparation for the crucifixion scene on Brent Tor, part of Brentor Passion Play.

How to stage the crucifixion

Poster for the Nottingham Passion with a black and white image of Jesus with a crown of thorns on his head and the cross behind him. The text says 'The Nottingham Passion'.

Hucknall

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Hurstpierpoint

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Idelwells Passion Play

A man in black holds Jesus back as he is arrested. Other men in black carry plastic shields and in the background are the glass shop fronts of the high street.

Inspiration from the Norwich Passion 2022

A woman in brightly coloured traditional costume for first century Jerusalem has been healed and is smiling and waving her arms. Behind her people are amazed because a miracle has occurred. For definition of a Passion Play.

Interesting statistics about Easter

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Isle of Man

Instagram page for Passion Plays UK with image of Jesus on a cross with a blue background and a centurion.

Join us on Instagram

Kendal castle silhouette with white figures and text saying Kendal Community Theatre, for Kendal Passion Play.

Kendal

A black cross on a hill with the sea in the background under a sunset sky. Words in white say Passion Play 2019.

Kendal 2019 / 2020

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Kent

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Kingston-Upon-Thames

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Lancaster

A capital E in swirling font with three black stars and one red star for North Lancashire Passion Play.

Lancaster

Leeds

Leeds

Jesus carries the cross surrounded by disciples in traditional costume and a woman in a blue dress with text that says 'The Passion'

Leek

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Leicester

Jesus carries the cross surrounded by disciples in traditional costume and a woman in a blue dress with text that says 'The Passion'

Leicester

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Leigh-on-Sea

Medieval writing says Leominster Passion Play.

Leominster

Lewes

Lewes

Logo of Lewes Passion Play with a crown of thorns in the shape of a rose.

Lewes

The logo for Lichfield Mysteries community arts with two theatre masks in rainbow colours. For Lichfield Mystery Plays.

Lichfield

A black and white photo of Jesus' face looking troubled for the Limerick Passion Play 2014 Walk with Him.

Limerick

A woodcut image of Adam and Eve with a tree and snake with words in old-fashioned font saying Lincoln Mystery Plays.

Lincoln Mystery Plays

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Littlehampton Passion Play

Liverpool

Liverpool

A white cross and words saying Liverpool Passion. Experience the Easter story, with a purple background.

Liverpool

An empty cross with a robe draped over it in a purple image with words in white saying The Liverpool Passion Plays.

Liverpool (Cathedral)

Jesus stands centre stage facing his mother, he is holding her hands as he looks down. He is surrounded by others who are kneeling in his presence as part of the Liverpool Passion Play in 2022

Liverpool Cathedral

Text says The Liverpool Passion Plays on at Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool Cathedral

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

London Plays

Londonderry

Londonderry

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Louth Passion Play

Jesus stands with his arms up above his head and in front of him people lift their hands to him and a man in a turban turns to the camera.

Love and the Passion

A wooden cross against a red and yellow background looking like the sunrise with the test Lytham Passion Play.

Lytham

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Lytham Passion Play

Mablethorpe

Mablethorpe

A red crown of thorns and words inside saying the Easter play, in Maidstone.

Maidstone

A black cross on a hill with the sea in the background under a sunset sky. Words in white say Passion Play 2019.

Malvern Mystery Plays

White poster with a colour cross, set on dark yellow background. Text says Manchester Passion.

Manchester

A poster illustration of the cross in grey and red with the words Marlborough Community Passion Play 2017.

Marlborough

Front page of the Church Times with a small image from the Nottingham Passion Play and a large image of an icon.

Media coverage of 2023 Passion Plays

Two cupped hands holding a small pile of coins with a plant shoot sprouting out from them. All in front of an out-of-focus green bokeh background for New grant for Passion Plays 2023.

New grants for Passion Plays in 2023

A crown of thorns on a yellow background.

New Malden

Logo for The New Malden Passion Play. Words in yellow and white read 'The New Malden Passion Play 2019'.

New Malden

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Newark, Southwell Minster

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Newbury

Northumberland

Northumberland

Words in red and black read the Norwich Passion Play 2022.

Norwich

Crowds gather on a sunny day to watch the Norwich Passion Play in the city centre.

Norwich 2022

Crowds gather on a sunny day to watch the Norwich Passion Play in the city centre.

Norwich 2022

Blue banner in a church reading the Norwich Passion Play.

Norwich Passion Play: A short film

A poster for the Nottingham Passion Play. Information at the top and bottom of the poster appear in white text on a dark red background with a middle picture of a Jesus stone statue in greyscale. The words Nottingham Passion are printed over the top of the image.

Nottingham

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Nuneaton

A poster showing a drawing of Jesus with his head bowed and crowned with thorns and words in black saying The Passion: Experience the Journey to the Cross in Nuneaton.

Nuneaton

Logo for the Oxford Passion Play: a sword and a red outlined cross, with words circling them saying 'And a sword shall pierce your soul.'

Oxford

Oxford

Oxford

Jesus looks on, dressed in a green robe in front of an out-of-focus wooden cross that is mounted on a white wall behind him inside St Matthew's Church. As part of the Oxford Passion Play 2022.

Oxford 2022

Logo for Oxford Mystery Plays. A red circle, with internal white lines separating out the letters O, S and M

Oxford Mystery Plays

The Passion poster with Jesus on the cross surrounded by bright colours and the words 'A moving and memorable retelling of the Easter story.'

Passion Play Tour. LAMPS theatre company

Spit image with four images. In the first of two columns, three images stacked. Image one, a couple of modern soldiers beating Jesus who is on the ground. Image two, a modern dressed Jesus raises a goblet into the air while smiling. Four people around him seem happy while watching him. The third image shows a dead Jesus in the arms of a lady who is sad. The second column is a single image of a cross in the middle of an open road. The light glows from the cross. Text title reads 'The Road to the Cross, Oddments Theatre Co'.

Passion Play Tours. Oddments Theatre Company

Jesus stands against a blue sky with both arms raised above his head. In front of him are people lifting their hands towards him and one man in a turban turns round to shout to people behind him. For Community Theatre & Passion Plays.

Passion Plays and Community Theatre    

Actors portraying Jesus' followers in modern clothes sit at Jesus' feet as he teaches them. Around them all are crowds of people watching as part of the Passion Play in Norwich

Passion Plays coming soon!

Roman soldiers raise the cross on which Jesus is crucified and a group of his followers and friends stand behind weeping.

Passion Plays Conference 2023

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Passion Plays On Tour

A logo for Survey Monkey (green writing with a picture of a monkey's head). Text reads Help us help more passion plays! Inviting people to take the Passion Plays survey.

Passion Plays Survey

Judas kisses Jesus before his betrayal.

Performing Jesus

Logo with blue circles and a black cross with words in blue and black saying Poole Passion.

Poole

Jesus knees on the floor in a white robe under a spotlight and words above him read 'Poole Passion' with a black cross.

Poole

An actor who plays Jesus carries the cross beam on his shoulders with the help of a bystander. In the background are the shops on the high street in Birmingham. Around him is a large crowd in contemporary costume and a soldier in black uniform and dark glasses.

Preparing to play Jesus

A man in blue hunched over performs a scene from the Preston Passion Play, surrounded by a crowd of people.

Preston Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Previous Leicester Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Purbeck Passion Play

A small crowd of men and women in brightly coloured robes and head shawls waving scarves and singing as they dance and walk down the high street of Leek.

Putting on a Passion Play? Where to start

Reading

Reading

Reading

Reading

Redditch

Redditch

Brown crown of twisted thorns with a shadow on a white background for the Redditch Passion Play.

Redditch

Reedham Passion Play

Reedham Passion Play

A black crown of thorns and a red drop of blood with black words saying The Passion Richmond.

Richmond

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Romsey

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Sandford

Jesus on a cross for the Selsey Passion Play.

Selsey

Silhouette image of three crosses on a hill with people standing underneath them for the Settle Passion play.

Settle

Drawing of Jesus carrying the cross, green text above says Journey to the Cross for the Passion Play in Settle.

Settle

Settle

Settle

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Shipley Passion Play

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Shoreham

Dressed in only a cream robe and white shorts, a man portraying Jesus walks his cross down a busy highstreet alongside two Roman soldiers and followed by a crowd of actors and audience as part of the Shrewsbury Passion Play 2019

Shrewsbury

A red cross with black text saying One Life One Passion South Woodham Ferrers.

South Woodham Ferrers

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Southampton

A black crown of thorns on a red background with words in white and black saying One Man's Passion: Easter 2019

Southampton Tour

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Southwold

A green cross and words in black and green saying One Good Friday 2020 for Horsham Passion Play.

Spelthorne

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

St Neots

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

St Neots

A crown of thorns with words in red and black saying St Neots Passion 2020.

St Neots

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

St Werburgh’s Passion Play

A woman with curly black hair with one arm lifted as she blows a whistle into a microphone. The text next to her is white on a red background and says The Stafford Passion Play 2023.

Stafford

Five Roman centurions marching Jesus, who is carrying his Cross in front of a row of houses

Stagefighting Workshops

Screen shot of You Tube clip with cartoon figures of Mary and Jesus as a baby with the words 'Mystery Plays' on a pink background.

Staging the Passion in Medieval England

A Roman guard with shield, with the text Wintershall, Experience the Story - in 2018.

Staines

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Stanborough Park Passion Play

A woman with short blond hair and glasses looks at the camera and laughs with a hand on her chest. She is wearing a bright blue cardigan and behind is a bright yellow background.

Stories from Directing the Passion by Suzanne Lofthus

Stratford-on-Avon

Stratford-on-Avon

Text says The Tavistock Passion, a community play for Easter, with a back crown of thorns, dripping with red blood. A blurred photo of Tavistock behind.

Tavistock

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Telford Passion

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Test

The Andover Passion 2017

The Andover Passion 2017

Three actors in colourful robes and headscarves are holding up costumes and inspecting them.

The Challenge: keeping the Passion story real

Jesus kneeling beneath the weight of the cross with Mary on her knees weeping and weeping women stand around them as part of the Easter Story.

The Easter Story

Jesus walks along Brighton beach surrounded by men, women and children waving palm branches. All of them are wearing traditional robes, shawls and sandals.

The Holy Week of Easter

An actor portraying a mortally wounded Jesus is hung on a large wooden cross against a bright blue sky as part of an Easter Play.

The long history of Easter plays

A poster with three people talking in black and white against a shadowed background. The text reads LAMPS presents THE PASSION

THE PASSION ON TOUR

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Tickwill

Medieval-stylised text says Tonbridge Passion Play 2014 in black and brown.

Tonbridge

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Torbay

Picture of Jesus, dressed in white addressing the crowds at Trafalgar Square London. Text on the image reads: Wintershall, Experience the story

Trafalgar Square

A smiling Jesus holds a happy boy, both looking towards the crowd at Trafalgar Square London Passion Play

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Trustees

Roman soldiers raise the cross on which Jesus is crucified and a group of his followers and friends stand behind weeping.

Volunteers: the hidden heroes

A black and white scene from a Passion Play featuring three people in The Passion's Wales tour.

Wales Tour

West Bridgford

West Bridgford

Jesus on the cross with hands outstretched and nails in his hands under a grey cloudy sky.

West Cheltenham

In the foreground is the back of a Middle Eastern man's head as he watches a Passion Play. In the blurred background is Jesus with his arms held wide and his disciples standing on each side of him.

What do people say about Passion Plays?

A woman in shawls and robe standing with a young boy and other women in traditional costume with a Roman centurion in the background.

What do to in the Easter holidays

Jesus and Peter facing each other and smiling as they embrace with a blue sky in the background.

What happened on Easter Sunday?

Jesus kneeling with part of the cross on his back, surrounded by guards in contemporary black uniform and glass shields against a backdrop of shops on the high street.

What happened on Good Friday?

Actors playing a roman soldier and Jesus walk through the crowd on a sunny day in Leek.

What is it like being in the cast of a Passion Play?

Actor portraying Jesus is hung on a wooden cross on top of a yellow brick stage with roman soldiers beside him below. Against a blue sky at the Brighton Passion Play

What is it like to play Jesus?

Jesus on a bicycle with his hand raised in front of the tall shopfront for Waterstones. He is surrounded by a crowd of his followers and all are in contemporary. costume.

What is it like to write a Passion Play?

A woman in brightly coloured traditional costume for first century Jerusalem has been healed and is smiling and waving her arms. Behind her people are amazed because a miracle has occurred. For definition of a Passion Play.

What is the definition of a Passion Play?

A woman in a robe and shawls holds a goblet in her hands and looks up at the camera with a smile on her face. At her head words are written 'A Light undimmed'.

What to eat at Easter?

A group of actors, including Jesus stand the middle of the High Street at Chester's Passion Play.

What was it like to witness the Chester Passion Play?

A close up of Jesus on the cross. He wears a crown of thorns and behind him are the bare branches of trees against a pale blue sky.

When is Easter 2024?

A small crowd of men and women in brightly coloured robes and head shawls waving scarves and singing as they dance and walk down the high street of Leek.

Where can I see Passion Plays from Easter 2023?

Jesus stands with his arms up above his head and in front of him people lift their hands to him and a man in a turban turns to the camera.

Who is Jesus?

An image of an actor portraying Mary, in pink middle-eastern costume as she kneels, hands together crying.

Who was Mary?

Jesus talking to a man, surround by disciples for Who Was Matthew and Who was Peter?

Who was Matthew?

Jesus talking to a man, surround by disciples for Who Was Matthew and Who was Peter?

Who was Peter?

Three men on crosses with Jesus in the middle and in the foreground one of the thieves who was also crucified as part of a Passion play telling the Easter story.

Why is Easter important?

A woman with a microphone and one arm in the air standing on a plinth surrounded by a large crowd.

Why watch a Passion Play this Easter?

The back of a man's head with cap watching a Passion Play. The blurred background shows Jesus, arms held wide with disciples standing on each side of him in the story of Easter.

Why Watch a Passion Play?

Jesus kneeling with part of the cross on his back, surrounded by guards in contemporary black uniform and glass shields against a backdrop of shops on the high street.

Why watch a Passion Play?

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Winchester

A cluster of buildings at the foot of a hill that has three crosses on it. On the other side of the hill are three men talking in long robes and sashes for the Winterbourne Passion Play.

Winterbourne

A Roman guard with shield, with the text Wintershall, Experience the Story - in 2018.

Wintershall

Silhouette of three crosses against sun, white text says One Sacrifice: Christ's Passion for Wirral.

Wirral

Jesus is pinned to a cross and is hoisted upward by several Roman Soldiers as part of the Withensea Passion Play entitled Easter Story.

Withensea

Withernsea Passion Play

Withernsea Passion Play

Wokingham

Wokingham

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Woodbridge

Logo for Passion Plays with words in gold saying 'Passion Plays: Experience the real story of Easter'.

Woodley Passion Play

A stylised cross resembling burnt wood, in brown and orange against a similar background for the Woodstock Passion play.

Woodstock

White text says Worcester Passion Play with an orange background.

Worcester

Against an orange background are white words saying Worcester Passion Play.

Worcester

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

Worth Abbey

Three actors dressed in brightly coloured middle-eastern costume look towards something off-screen. They are lit by golden sun against a clear blue sky. As part of the Passion Play in Brighton

Would you like to write a Passion Play?

A crown of thorns in focus and blurred against and ochre background for Wroughton Passion Play.

Wroughton Passion Play

A road stretches out under a cloudy sky with a large wooden cross and words that read 'The Road to the Cross'.

Yeovil

White robe draped over an empty cross atop a yellow brick base. The cross is lit by a golden sunset with a clear blue sky behind it. As part of the Brighton Passion Play

York

An illustrated scene of the nativity on a wagon with wheels below and canopy and flags above. Blue words say York Mystery Plays.

York

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EASTER DATES

Supporting Councils

These are the local councils that have supported Passion Plays in the UK. See our pages for each Passion Play on our dedicated Passion Plays website.

Supporting Businesses

Businesses and Councils who have supported Passion Plays in the UK.