Passion Play | risetheatre

READING PASSION PLAY

Forbury Gardens, Reading 2025

After the success of Rise Theatre’s brand new, original, open air Passion Play last year, RISE Theatre are set to perform it once again on Good Friday 18th and Saturday 19th April 2025 in Forbury Gardens, Reading town centre as part of the ecumenical Easter Arts Festival organised by The Gate Church in Reading (www.thegate.uk.com).

The original production is supported and part funded by the Passion Trust (www.passiontrust.org) and Westhill Endowment (www.westhillendowment.org)

The Reading Passion play depicts the key moments in the Passion of Christ and inspirational Gospel moments, performed by a cast of four professional actors. With one actor playing the part of Jesus and the other three playing multiple characters, RISE Theatre brings their unique style to create an emotionally impacting performance.

The Reading Passion play is written, produced and directed by Stephen Newbury,

supported by Charley Tidy (Artistic Directors).

WATCH

Come and watch one of our FREE live performances of the Passion Play this Easter weekend:

3.30pm on Good Friday 18th April 2025 in Forbury Gardens, Reading, RG1 3BB

3.00pm on Saturday 19th April 2025 in Forbury Gardens, Reading, RG1 3BB

Each performance lasts approximately 1 hour. These Passion Play performances are free to access and open to all. Please note the play includes a dramatic interpretation of the crucifixion so PARENTAL GUIDANCE IS ADVISED.

Bring a chair or picnic blanket if you wish.

The play will form a central part of the ecumenical Easter Arts Festival being organised by The Gate church in Reading (www.thegate.uk.com), which is also free to access for all.

SUPPORT

Last year we received funding and support from the Passion Trust and Westhill Endowment, which we were incredibly grateful for! However, this year we will need a fresh input of funds to make the Reading Passion play possible for Easter 2025. We are proceeding in faith that God will provide all we need to bring this Passion Play to life in the heart of Reading once again.

If you feel able to make a one-off donation, however small, please do consider donating to RISE Theatre below, with Gift Aid or Non Gift Aid Options available.