Reading
When? 3rd & 4th April 2026
Where? Forbury Gardens
Get directions now.
Reading’s brand new, original, open-air Passion play will take place in Forbury Gardens in the town centre as part of the Easter Arts Festival organised by The Gate Church in Reading.
The Passion Play will also be on TOUR to churches during March – for dates and venues visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/risetheatre
For the third year running, Rise Theatre will be performing their original Passion Play to audiences during March and April 2026. Their tour to numerous churches across southern England and the Midlands will culminate in outdoor performances in Reading town centre on Good Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April 2026 in Forbury Gardens, as part of the ecumenical Easter Arts Festival organised by The Gate Church (www.thegate.uk.com).
The Reading Passion play will depict the key moments in the Passion of Christ and inspirational Gospel moments, performed by a cast of four professional actors. With one actor playing the part of Jesus and the other three playing multiple characters, RISE Theatre will bring their unique style to create an emotionally impacting performance.
About RISE Theatre Company
RISE Theatre began out of a simple desire to tell stories that spoke to the heart. Their name comes from Isaiah 52:2 – “Shake off your dust; rise up” and from the outset the aim has been to create drama that not only entertains but has a transformative quality for every audience member or participant – inspiring them to “shake off their dust” and “rise up”. The Reading Passion play is written, produced and directed by Stephen Newbury, supported by Charley Tidy (Artistic Directors)
