Rehearsals of The Hereford Passion are well underway, with less than six weeks until opening night on Friday 6 March.

The Hereford Passion will tell the story of Jesus' final days in a fully staged production, featuring a cast of performers drawn from the local community. Focusing on the individuals and the actions leading to the crucifixion, the production seeks to portray the events of Holy Week in a powerful and emotional piece of theatre which will engage Christians and non-Christians alike.

 

As well as directing the production, the Revd Canon James Pacey, the cathedral’s Chancellor, will also be taking on the role of Jesus and he will be joined by a varied cast which includes local clergy and congregation members from across the Diocese. Several former teachers will also be taking to the stage including Ben Abbott, who has taught drama across Herefordshire, and has recently appeared on BBC’s Mastermind with Hereford Cathedral as his specialist subject.
 
This will be the second time that the cathedral has brought the production to life under the direction of Canon James, with its first outing in 2024 a sold-out success. This year’s production forms the second piece of the trilogy of plays which the cathedral is staging as part of its Year of Storytelling to celebrate 1350 years since the founding of Hereford Diocese. The final production in the series will be The Hereford Mysteries on Friday 23 & Saturday 24 October.

The Revd Canon James Pacey, said: “I am hugely excited about once again staging The Hereford Passion in our stunning cathedral. We are keen to welcome everyone, whether they are committed Christians who want to experience a fresh take on these events, or people who might be wondering what all the fuss over Lent and Easter is about. I am not a little daunted at playing the role of Jesus, but have been blessed with a hugely talented and committed cast from across the community and we all hope that we have produced a play that will move, challenge and inspire.”

 

The Hereford Passion will take place in Hereford Cathedral on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 March at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 per adult and £6 per child and are available to purchase from the cathedral website and ticket desk (01432 374 202). This production has been kindly sponsored by The Passion Trust and Hereford Cathedral Theatre Angels.

Image Credit: The cast of the Hereford Passion 2024 by Caroline Potter