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Easter's story goes from strength to strength

It’s all systems go for the team responsible for the Bishop Auckland Passion Play as they launch their 2023 plans with a Film Premiere in St Peter’s Chapel Auckland Castle this month.

After more than 4 years in the planning, two lockdowns and numerous cast changes, the Passion Play for Bishop Auckland was performed on Good Friday in the Bishop Auckland Market place and has been produced into a full-length film.

The premier of ‘DON’T PANIC ALL WILL BE REVEALED’ will be screened at St Peter’s Chapel in Auckland Castle on the 28th of September 2022 at 12.30 pm.

Screenings will then follow at various other churches and venues around the Bishop Auckland area as a pre-cursor to the start of rehearsals for the 2023 performance.

Passion Play Bishop Auckland (PPBA) producer and film editor Keith Blundy said: “We are delighted to be able to bring DON’T PANIC to the screen to allow people to relive and experience this amazing performance of the story of Easter.

“The screenings, all free to attend, mark the start of our planning and rehearsals for the 2023 Good Friday Passion Play, entitled ‘ALL WILL BE REVEALED’. It is hoped that reminding people of the challenges we all came through during COVID to put on the 2022 performance will inspire people to get involved and take us from strength to strength in 2023.

“The film captures the huge efforts made by more than 130 cast, backstage volunteers and supporters in bringing the performance to life. 

“I think that over 5,000 people watch the performance demonstrates that the Easter story is still relevant today, providing a sense of hope and light in the darkness of modern life.

“We have also launched a Crowdfunder page to help raise funds for future performances and the work we do to be more effective in our engagement with the community in allowing those on the margins of society to get involved, learn new skills and improve their wellbeing.”

Chaplain to the Bishop of Durham, The Revd Chris Knights, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to host this premier screening in St Peter’s Chapel. It’s really great news that Bishop Auckland Market Place is again to be the location for the second staging of our remarkable Passion Play ‘ALL WILL BE REVEALED’, telling the story of the first Passiontide and Jesus' journey to the Cross and beyond.

“Why not arrange to visit our area at that time? There's the castle and other places of interest within the town to add to your schedule. You'd be surprised by just how good it is - and you will be made very welcome here!”

Tickets for the premiere can be obtained by clicking here.

A list of dates for the other screening will be posted on our website and on Facebook. Anyone wishing to volunteer or to get involved with the performance acting, crowd actors and backstage can do so by visiting the website and signing up. Crowdfunder page is here.

First published on: 23rd September 2022
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