PERFORMERS in an annual dramatic Easter pageant will be back with a passion on Good Friday, 2022.

The Passion Play, in the Market Place, Bishop Auckland, will return on April 15, next year, following a delay of two years due to Covid restrictions and lockdown.

Passion Play Bishop Auckland was to have been performed twice on Good Friday, 2020, but was postponed with rehearsals in full swing due to the first lockdown.

The cast and crew were devastated but were keen to give it a go, again, on Good Friday this year, just to have the carpet pulled out from under their feet as the second lockdown put the performance on hold, once more.

But, with the lifting of restrictions, the organising team are now working hard to bring things back together for next Good Friday.

The team is staging a get together in the upstairs lounge of the Reading Rooms’ bar and café, in the Market Place, Bishop Auckland, tonight, at 8pm.

It is open to all supporters, plus cast and crew members, as well as any newcomers interested in getting involved.

The event coincides with Bishop Auckland’s Full Moon Street Food Market, so organisers hope people will come and see what’s happening and sample the evening’s hospitality.

Passion Play producer, the Reverend Eileen Harrop, said: “We’re delighted that we can now resume planning and rehearsals for Good Friday 2022.

“It has been incredibly frustrating to get near to the point of performing two years in a row, to be thwarted by this terrible virus.

“Although, putting things on hold when we did was essential for the well-being of all of our cast and wider team.

“We are all very excited now that we are able to start rehearsals again.

“Sadly, during the two years of delay, we need to find a few new members of the team and cast, so we are on the lookout for anyone wanting to volunteer.

“We are really grateful to all those that have shown support for the event and for finally bringing it to the Market Place, in Bishop Auckland, on Good Friday, 2022.”

Cast members needed in non-acting roles including Roman soldiers and the crowd members.

Behind the scenes helpers in stage management, event ‘welcomers’, people with technical skills in audio, video and electrical, backstage assistants, plus other volunteering roles also require filling.

Anyone interested in volunteering, or seeking more information, are asked to contact enquiries@passionplaybishopauckland.org, the event email site.

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