LENT 2027: RISE THEATRE OFFER PARISHES 'MOVING' PASSION PLAY
- Andy Drozdziak
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Andy Drozdziak
Christian theatre group RISE Theatre is offering parishes the opportunity to book a Passion Play which has been hailed as 'excellent', 'moving' and 'powerful.'
Lucy Mackenzie from RISE Theatre told CHARIS England and Wales: "I am delighted to announce that our original, 'spine tingling', Passion Play is now available to book for indoor performances at Churches during Lent 2027.
"Performed by professional actors, the production combines physical theatre and a contemporary soundtrack to create a fast-paced and emotionally resonant experience."
Watch a short highlights video of the production below:
Spreading the Gospel message in creative ways
Churches have the opportunity to host a performance of the Passion Play during Lent 2027, giving parishes and communities a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect and prepare for the celebration of Easter.
Originally commissioned by Charles Whitehead for a one-off performance at the Celebrate Conference in Ilfracombe, RISE Theatre has grown to become a professional Christian theatre company, working in schools, churches, events and festivals across the UK to spread the Gospel message in creative ways.
Speaking of the Passion Play, Lucy Mackenzie told CHARIS England and Wales: "In this powerful one-hour one-act production, journey from “The Word Became Flesh” (John 1:1–18) through key inspirational Gospel moments and Christ’s ministry including the Wedding at Cana, the calling of Simon Peter, the Miraculous Catch and ultimately Christ’s Passion.
"If your church or community are interested in hosting a performance during Lent 2027, we would be glad to hear from you by email at admin@risetheatre.co.uk or by leaving us a voice-note at 0118 324 7775."
Praise for 'very moving' Passion Play
Feedback from the 2026 Passion Play, which took place in a number of churches across southern England and the Midlands, has been overwhelmingly positive. Bishop of Portsmouth Philip Egan hailed the production as 'very moving', whilst St Lawrence's RC Church, Feltham, London highlighted ''the quality and impact of the performance.' St Lawrence's praised 'the excellent acting from the three stars of the evening, the lived liturgy that it presented and the ability to stop and situate one’s faith more poignantly to the Lenten journey', adding: "It made the Stations of the Cross the following day, at church, come more powerful and alive."
The cost of one performance is £800 plus travel expenses from RISE Theatre's Reading base.
RISE Theatre said: "Churches and community groups can recover some/all of the booking cost through audience donations/ticket sales, with the flexibility to set their own ticket price.
"All proceeds from the event are retained by the host Church to help recoup the costs or support ongoing ministry."
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