WITH Good Friday fast approaching, a group which dedicates every year to retelling the Easter story in Worcester city centre has called for help to ensure they can continue that tradition in 2024 for what may be the final time.
Since 2022, people across the Faithful City have flocked to Cathedral Square every Good Friday to watch Worcester Passion Play deliver a grand retelling of the Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal, the crucifixion and Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The cast, director and production team are all volunteers, many of whom are members of churches across the county.
However, the group is facing a ‘tight squeeze’ to raise the necessary cash to put on the massive production, which can cost up to £30,000 and is entirely funded by donations.
Director Tim Crow revealed to the Observer for varying reasons, there is an expectation from the committee this year’s production could be the final one to grace Worcester’s streets.
“At the moment we are still short of some money, it’s free for the public to enjoy so it has to be funded through donations.
“We’ve managed to get to the finish line each year and I’m sure with the people of Worcester’s help it will go ahead this time.
“The suggestion from the committee is that this could be the final year, but things could change and I hope they do.
“Speaking personally, my wife and I are in our middle 70s and we’re central to organising, we originally committed to three years so will be stepping away but hopefully others can help.”
Last year, over 1,000 people gathered in the Worcester sunshine to marvel at the remarkable production, with the cast kitted out in stunning authentic attire from the era.
Each year, people are treated to a staging of a crucifixion, where ‘Jesus’, the ‘Good Thief’ and the ‘Bad Thief’ are all tied to a large cross by rope.
Tim added: “The Passion Play dramatises the trial, death and resurrection of Jesus – the heart of the Christian faith, and the hope for the world.
“One of the great joys of the production is it draws people from all walks of life, and it shows we may go to different churches on a Sunday but we are united in the essentials of what our faith is all about.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/worcester-passion-play-ltd to donate to the Passion Play.
