On the morning Good Friday 2027, Chester’s historic city centre will become the perfect setting for the re-telling of the Easter Story. The production is looking for local actors, singers and musicians who would like to get involved.

Chester City Passion has in the past drawn thousands of people who not only want to see this well-known story come to life before their eyes, but almost feel like they are part of the drama as it unfolds. Amid jubilant crowds, Jesus enters Jerusalem with a donkey, but after his rage at the traders in the Jerusalem, and his claims that he has been sent from God, the plotting for his arrest escalates. Following his last supper in the upper room, Jesus is arrested by the Romans in the Garden of Gethsemane and his trial begins. The people who waved palms at his arrival are now calling for his death. 

The story is told by a community of actors, accompanied by a chorus of singers and roving musicians. The event will re-tell the Easter story at key city centre locations including The Rows, Chester Cross, and Chester Cathedral.

Artistic Director Matt Baker said: “Chester offers such a unique setting for this production. We’re excited to bring the streets to life again and create something memorable for audiences in 2027.”

Matt and the team will be looking to cast the roles of Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ mother, the disciples, the priests, the thieves on the cross, Herod, Pontius Pilate and others. Local singers are also invited to join the chorus who follow the story with singing and playing crowd scenes, and the team are looking for musicians with hand-held instruments who can accompany the story as it unfolds on the streets. 

Rehearsals and informal auditions for acting roles will start in February 2027. Anyone interested in taking part can contact Natalie at citypassion@theatreinthequarter.co.uk

First staged in 2016, the Chester City Passion will return as part of the lead-up to the Chester Mystery Plays in 2028. The event is free and open to all.

The Chester City Passion is made possible through partnership – bringing together churches, organisations, and volunteers from across the city, including Chester Mystery Plays, Churches Together in Chester, Link Up, Theatre in the Quarter and Chester Cathedral.