A NORTH-EAST cemetery is to once again play host to an evocative Easter performance.

The Houghton-Le-Spring Passion Play will be performed in the Wearside town's Hillside Cemetery at noon, on Good Friday, April 3.

The play, which is set in modern times in a CNN news reporting style using music composed by parishioner Stuart Clappison, is set to be performed for the second time in the open air.

The audience will become the crowd as the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial and execution is brought to life by local actors who will weave through the cemetery depicting the Stations of the Cross.

The Rector of Houghton, Revd Canon Sue Pinnington said: “This is the eleventh time this play has been performed in Houghton but just the second time we have used the Hillside Cemetery.

“Being outside adds a different dimension to the experience and enables us to present the Passion of Christ to a whole new audience. We’re excited to be able to bring the good news of Jesus out of church and into the open for all to see.”

This year, a trainee priest, John Vilaseca Bruch, will be playing the part of Jesus.

He said: “I am honoured to be playing this role in the play. I am sure it will bring the story of the Passion of Christ alive for me in a very personal way.

“I hope our play will help people to put themselves into the story and experience its power.”

Admission to the event is free. There will be no on-street parking at the venue. A free minibus shuttle will take spectators to the Hillside Cemetery from the Broadway: DH4 4DN, outside St Michael and All Angels Church.

Further information can be found on the St Michael and All Angels website and Facebook page - www.stmichaels-hls.org.uk or facebook.com/stmichaels.