Roman soldiers Christophe Gerber and Richard ConollyRoman soldiers Christophe Gerber and Richard Conolly

ASK ANY newspaper editor which city has been claimed “most godless” in recent years – and more likely than not, the answer will be: “Brighton”.

So the sight of “Jesus Christ” being crucified on the cross outside St Peter’s Church right in the main centre could be a surprise for many.Brighton’s passion play drew a crowd of 400 people from the atheistic hotspot to watch the spectacle on the church lawns, with last minute sunshine pushing away the rain clouds on Easter Sunday.

Some 35 volunteers acted out the biblical events with a large behind-the-scenes team giving support.

Dan Silve of organisers Soul by the Sea, said: “For the public who don’t attend church or know that much about Jesus – this is one method to reach the masses in hearing live the teaching of Christ and who he is. God willing, we intend this to be a regular feature on the calendar of Brighton events.”

Writer and director James Burke-Dunsmore was cast in the lead role. He has portrayed Jesus Christ in 80 worldwide productions during the past 16 years. He is also a trustee of the Passion Trust which supports Passion plays and Bible dramas around the UK.

 

Chris Eyte