A Passion Play is a beacon of light and is pivotal in stepping out and following Jesus’s Great Commission. This Easter, it was incredible to see glimpses of God’s kingdom on the streets of Hereford. The actors from the Saltmine Theatre Company brought the Gospel to life in an incredibly emotional and impactful way.
The play took place across the centre of the city. It started by the Hereford Bull statue, with the next two acts happening around High Town and the last three scenes in front of the incredible backdrop of Hereford Cathedral. I was part of the dress rehearsal and experienced how people on the streets stopped to ask questions and even followed us as we moved around the town to rehearse the next scene. You could catch glimpses of God’s will playing out. It goes to show that fruit can grow through any form of spreading the Gospel and at the most unexpected times.
One of the wonderful things about this type of production is that local people from across the churches are invited to join in. The community cast, stewards, musicians, a prayer group and an ‘engage team’ (to engage with the public) all came from across Herefordshire to support the Saltmine professional actors.
Mark and Rosie Leakey, who worship at Hereford Cathedral, said: “Being part of the community cast was very encouraging – taking part alongside other believers who were keen to share their faith and to be a witness locally. We felt very blessed to be able to share in the Passion Play with Saltmine. The words and acting were very powerful; people were visibly moved. We believe the Saltmine Passion Play provided another deeply significant marker in the spiritual life of Hereford.”
Louisa Jackson from the New Frontiers church described taking on her first drama role: “I was excited to be part of a unique street theatre performance here in Hereford. I was challenged and surprised to be chosen as one of the militants. Would I be good enough? Would I remember the lyrics to the songs? I thoroughly enjoyed the weekly meetings to practise the play. It was creative and fascinating. Not what I expected, but better! The Passion Play on the day was breathtaking, emotional and captivating. It brought Jesus’s story alive right on the streets. I’ll remember it and share it for a long time to come.”
Hosting a Passion Play in your town or city is a great way for local or regional churches to work together. Here’s the highlights video from Easter 2025 in Hereford.
Emma Wright is the County Ecumenical Officer for Herefordshire. She is also a Churches Together in England Trustee.
All photo credits: © Saltmine Theatre Company