THOMAS Frere takes on the role of Jesus in a production of traditional Easter plays to be performed at churches across North Yorkshire.

North Country Theatre and director Nobby Dimon have earned a reputation for wacky takes on big budget shows.

Recent examples have included humorous versions of Spielberg's Lost World and Arthur C Clarke's Space Odyssey.

However, the comedy is mostly set aside for The Passion Plays, which give an insight into the life, death and resurrection of Christ as interpreted by medieval craftsmen.

A crew of 30 tours the area between Tuesday, March 26, and Friday, April 12, setting up a spectacular set painted by internationally renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe, at each of the nine locations on the circuit.

The first show is at Richmond's St Mary's Church and others include Appleton Wiske, Brompton-on-Swale, and Thornton Watlass.

Full details of dates and times are available by telephoning (01748) 825288.