Southampton Passion 2011: the vision

I have a vision that on Good Friday 2011, thousands of people will gather to watch Southampton’s very own Passion play. A large scale production that will incorporate acting, music and song, and will place Jesus back at the very heart of Easter. The action will unfold in Hoglands Park, Southampton as the crowds witness Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, his last supper with the disciples, his arrest and crucifixion and then his glorious resurrection.

On Good Friday, 2006 the City of Manchester staged an amazing outdoor Passion play that used the music of the great city to tell the story of the last days of the life of Jesus. It was broadcast on BBC three and boasted some popular actors in its cast. On Good Friday, 2008 the city of Winchester was host to an equally remarkable Passion production, using various locations across the city and ending up at the great Cathedral for the final scenes. Some 8,000 people lined the streets of Winchester to witness this dramatic retelling of the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and they were reminded of the real meaning of Easter.

I was part of the Winchester Passion in 2008 and I believe God planted a seed in my heart to bring a similar event to the centre of Southampton. Our Passion will be different to the others mentioned here - it will be in one location, Hoglands Park in the heart of our city. It will be more of a musical production with characters using new and original songs to tell parts of the story and the aim is to produce a very professional, high quality production that will put Jesus right back at the heart of Easter.

The script is already written, the songs are beginning to form and the word about the Southampton Passion is starting to spread.