Description

A presentation dual-layer full-length feature film Blue RayDVD and sleeve (Running Time 1hr 38mins)

Blue Ray DVD is Full HD  format for playing on Blue Ray Players only.

FOUR YEARS IN THE MAKING

After more than 4 years in the planning, two lock-downs and numerous cast changes, the Passion Play for Bishop Auckland is ready to be revealed.

With a cast and backstage team of more than 70 volunteers drawn from Bishop Auckland and surrounding areas, we are delighted to perform Don’t Panic, All will be revealed! – the true story of Easter. This performance represents a community-wide effort, bringing new life and vitality to Bishop Auckland as it goes through its own regeneration and reveal!

Originally conceived as an idea in 2017 following a visit to the Wintershall production in Trafalgar Square, Passion Play Bishop Auckland (PPBA) became part of the Wintershall group of passion plays performed nationally on Good Friday under the umbrella name One Good Friday and planned its first performance in 2020.

The performance for 2020 had to be shelved due to the pandemic and was rescheduled for 2021. Sadly 2021 also had to be shelved once again due to the pandemic. But due to the massive commitment of the performance team and support from across the region, we are finally able to welcome you here today for the two performances.

In an attempt to recognise the struggles we have faced during the pandemic and to celebrate the true revealing nature of the Easter story, the 2022 performance has been titled: Don’t Panic – All Will Be Revealed!. The name derives from the idea of Jesus’ tomb being revealed to be empty on Easter Sunday and Jesus revealing himself to Mary and the Disciples. It also refers to Revealing the true story of Easter, as for many, Easter is more about chocolate and Easter bunnies! Supported by Bishop Auckland Fellowship of Christian Churches (BAFCC) and The Auckland Project, this year’s performance reflects a new sense of hope for the community and for the region as a whole.

An example of this spirit of collaboration is demonstrated by the performance standing out from others by having its own original music score composed by local musician Stephen Johnson who  was commissioned to produce the work Passion Play a symphonic depiction of the Crucifixion of Christ.

This feature-length film offers the viewer a sense of the scale and achievement of that four year journey as performed on Good Friday April 15th 2022.