The Diocese will be bringing two very special performances of ‘The Mark Drama’ to life in February/March 2020 … with the help of our Bishops who will be part of the cast.

The Mark Drama is a fast-paced, actioned-packed event about the most influential and controversial figure in human history: Jesus Christ.

It is an innovative way of experiencing the Gospel of Mark and communicating it to others, performed as theatre-in-the-round. ​

You can book tickets NOW for the events via the links here - but they will sell fast so don't miss out!

• Saturday performance ... Eventbrite page for February 29 at 7.30pm
• Sunday performance ... Eventbrite page for March 1 at 7.30pm 

Staged at Blackburn Cathedral on Saturday, February 29 and Sunday, March 1, the cast will be led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson; the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev. Philip North and the Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev. Dr Jill Duff, along with some other members of the Bishop’s Leadership Team including the Dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev. Peter Howell-Jones.

Collectively they will be creating an amazing and impactful dramatisation of Mark’s Gospel in an event which is being produced in partnership with Buckshaw Village Church near Chorley.

Since its inception The Mark Drama, created by Andrew Page, has been performed right across Europe and throughout the world.

Last year Buckshaw Village Church became one of the latest places to perform The Mark Drama successfully – which led to the Vicar, Rev. James Gwyn Thomas (pictured) making the invitation to the Bishop’s Leadership Team to join a special new version in 2020.

This 90-minute groundbreaking drama is the perfect way to begin Lent in 2020 and focus our heads and hearts towards the cross at Easter.

It is also a fantastic mission opportunity and those attending are encouraged to buy a ticket for themselves and another to give a friend an opportunity to hear the Gospel message in a unique way. But please note the production is not suitable for children aged 8 and under.

Speaking today Bishop Julian said: “It’s always good to be able to impart the Gospel in new and different ways and this is an exciting and innovative production. As amateur actors we will be trusting wholly in God to shine the light of His message through us!

"I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to attend and – importantly – to bring a friend with them who may not have heard the Gospel message."

Bishop Philip commented: “It’s hard to think of a better way of entering into the scriptures than acting it out.

“I’m looking forward to being part of this team who will working together to lift this wonderful gospel off the page and, I pray, show something of the grace and power of Jesus.”

And Bishop Jill added: “I came to faith by reading the Bible and I am excited to be involved in this drama that brings the life of Jesus literally to life. My hope is that by being involved in the Mark Drama it will be Jesus who is in the spotlight.”

In The Mark Drama, the journey of Jesus and his followers will be mirrored in the setting of Blackburn Cathedral.

Starting at the west door under the ‘Christ the Worker’ sculpture by John Hayward and finishing under another stunning Hayward artwork - ‘Crown of Thorns’ (pictured) which hangs above the high altar, a compelling production will unfold.

There will be two performances of the Mark Drama; on Saturday, February 29, 2020 and Sunday March 1, 2020 with both starting at 7.30pm in the Cathedral.

Tickets, priced just £5 (plus a small booking fee to cover costs) are available to purchase via the links below. 

Click the link for whichever performance you want to attend and then follow the booking process on the relevant Eventbrite page, beginning by clicking the green 'Tickets' button ...

• Saturday performance Eventbrite page
• Sunday performance Eventbrite page​​

Click here to download the official poster, for promotion locally in your parish.

For a location map of the venue (Blackburn Cathedral) simply follow this link. 

Ronnie Semley, December 2019