Following years of postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Chester City Passion is set to return to the historic streets of Chester on Good Friday to the delight of residents and organisers.
Composer and director Matt Baker says: “It has been wonderful to finally be able to rehearse with a terrific company of actors, singers, musicians and drummers, in preparation for the telling of this well-known story in the unique setting of our beautiful city centre”.
The play tells the story of Jesus Christ’s last few days on Earth, including his arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey, the Last Supper, his arrest and trial, and concluding with his crucifixion on the cross. The City Passion uses many of the unique features of Chester’s historic city centre as a set to tell the story, with the audience finding themselves playing the role of the people of Jerusalem, standing close to the dramatic events as they unfold.
This year the main role of Jesus will be played for the first time by Matt Banks of Ellesmere Port. Matt Banks says: “Though it is a really daunting prospect, it is a huge privilege to take on this role and perform alongside a talented company of players”.
Director Matt says he has been very impressed with Matt Banks taking on the role alongside the other cast members, adding: "The commanding role of Jesus is obviously very significant in the play; we see Jesus arriving through the Eastgate, tearing down the stalls in Jerusalem, sharing his Last Supper with his disciples on The Rows, being arrested by the Romans at The Cross, facing trial on the Town Hall steps and carrying his own cross to his death outside Chester Cathedral. Matt Banks will be a superb Jesus.”
Chester City Passion is delivered as a partnership between Theatre in the Quarter, Chester Mystery Plays, Link Up, and Churches Together in Chester. It precedes the next major production from Chester Mystery Plays which is to take place in the summer of next year. Many of the 100 strong community cast are likely to take part in the production which will be directed by John Young with another new score composed by Matt Baker.
The play begins on Eastgate Street on Good Friday at 10.30am and is free to everyone.