MARKET Place in Wokingham’s town centre is the venue for a special Easter Passion Play on Good Friday.
But the biblical story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion will be given a unique twist.
Actors from across Wokingham will wear modern clothes as they are joined by a choir made up of members of different churches in the town.
Organised by Churches Together Wokingham, the annual event usually attracts a large crowd looking to remember the events of the first Easter.
Anna Adams from the Rough Sketch Theatre Company is directing the play.
She told The Wokingham Paper that she hoped shoppers will be surprised with this new production.
“This year the actors will not be in traditional robes but they will wear contemporary clothes,” she explained.
“We have a stage in Market Place but it might be difficult to tell shoppers and actors apart.
“The theme is very much about Jesus and the relationships he had with people who were regarded as outcasts and rejected by society.
“However, Jesus reached out to them and healed them.”
There will be an early morning service at All Saints church with the congregation then walking in procession to Market Place for the start of the Passion Play.
“There will be the usual stalls and shoppers out looking for chocolate eggs, so I think their response to people acting out Jesus’ passion in the middle of it all will be very interesting,” added Anna.
“A number of people have been asking me over the past few weeks if we were doing a play this Easter. They are not all regular churchgoers but they say they always look forward to the play.”
The event, which begins at noon, is free.
Woodley open-air witness
Christians in Woodley will be gathering in the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct on Good Friday for an open-air service starting at 11.30am. Entry is free and all are welcome.
Wargrave walk
In Wargrave, church members will meet at Highfield Park at 10am, walking to St Mary’s Church.
And in Finchamsptead, the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, will lead a three-hour Easter service starting at noon. Taking place at St James’ Church, the event culminates in a performance of Faure’s Requiem.
