Southampton Passion

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The Southampton Passion was a passion play about the last few days of the life of Jesus. It took place in Guildhall Square, at the heart of the Cultural Quarter [1] of Southampton, against the backdrop of the Southampton Guildhall.

Contents

The event took place on Good Friday, 22 April 2011 to an estimated crowd of 10,000. [2] More than 70 actors and a 100-strong choir performed in the play, written and organised by Neil Maddock who has also been cast in the leading role of 33-year-old Jesus. [3]

The performance is produced by e-quip Community Arts Project.

Music

The play featured original songs and underscore by composer Nathan Hattersley.

Musical itemWritten by
HosannaNeil Maddock and Nathan Hattersley
In The DarknessNeil Maddock and Nathan Hattersley
The Last SupperNathan Hattersley
We BelieveNeil Maddock and Nathan Hattersley
All For YouNeil Maddock and Nathan Hattersley
CrucifixionNathan Hattersley
I Loved HimNathan Hattersley
GoNeil Maddock and Nathan Hattersley
What Does It Mean For Me?Nathan Hattersley

Original cast recording

The Southampton Passion Original Cast Recording is a cast recording of the songs as performed by the original cast members and 100-piece choir.

Original cast

ActorRole
Neil Maddock Jesus
Leigh Barnard Peter
Tony Skinner Matthew
Zak Venable James
Joe Venable John
Pete Hamilton Andrew
Kevin Mott Thaddeus
Mark Allen Bartholomew (Bart)
Alan Bridges Simon
Richard Eyles James (Jimmy)
Joshua McDonald Thomas
Andy Finn Philip
Chris Aland Judas
Robyn-Jane Parsons Mary, Mother of Jesus
Ophelia Matthias Mary Magdalene
Kimberley Wren Salome
Miriam MalakNaomi
Amy CoombesEsther
Simon Clift Joseph of Arimathea
Graeme Clements Caiaphas
Steve Braithwaite Annas
Mike CombsMachir
Graham PriorAlpheus
Nigel ForderPriest
Barry BrandTemple Guard
Pete DrewTemple Guard
Geoff Dodsworth Pilate
Judy Schildhouse Proculla
Becky BrearleyAlex
Eamonn CareyVituvius
Pete WaltonDomitian
Pete ReynoldsMarcus
Darren BlakemanAurelius
Melvin Proud Barabbas
Barney RidgwellGustus
Tom OrchardSyrus
Steve McIntyreNews Seller
Dan Coghlan Angel Gabriel
Cliff BlakeWitness

Trivia

Act III, Scene 3 was not acted live; a pre-recorded scene was to be shown on video screens but was not due to technical issues, though the sound was played. It was filmed at Wolvesey Palace, which is the residence of the Bishop of Winchester. The scene, set in Pilate's palace, depicts Joseph of Arimathea requesting of Pilate the body of Jesus.

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References

  1. ""Guildhall Square", Southampton City Council". Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
  2. "Southampton Passion play attracts crowds to city centre", BBC , 23 April 2011.
  3. "Southampton passion play brings Easter story to life", BBC , 23 February 2011.