DRAMATIC scenes telling the Easter story have been played out in a North East market place.

After more than four years in the planning, two lockdowns and numerous cast changes, the Passion Play for Bishop Auckland went ahead on Good Friday.

A cast of more than 50 and a backstage team of more than 30 drawn from the area around County Durham town took part.

They performed Don’t Panic, All Will Be Revealed! - The True Story of Easter in two performances at 12noon with a second at 3pm.

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The Revd Canon Eileen Harrop, performance producer, said: “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

Chairwoman of the PPBA and originator of the idea Rachael Masters said: “The cast and performance team is drawn from the whole community, not just Churches.

"It represents a community effort and as such is in the spirit of bringing new life and vitality to Bishop Auckland as it goes through its own regeneration and reveal."

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