The Diocese is bringing two very special performances of ‘The Mark Drama’ to life this February/March; a fast-paced, action-packed event about the most influential and controversial figure in human history: Jesus Christ.

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

For this production audiences will be able to experience it with a cast that includes all three Bishops of the Diocese, along with other members of the Bishop’s Leadership Team and members of Buckshaw Village Church near Chorley.

Dates for the diary are Saturday, February 29 and Sunday, March 1 at 7.30pm each evening. Tickets, priced just £5 (plus a small booking fee to cover costs) are available to purchase via these links: 

• Saturday performance Eventbrite page
• Sunday performance Eventbrite page.

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

Staged at Blackburn Cathedral, 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. The three Bishops will act alongside other members of the Bishop’s Leadership Team including the Dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev. Peter Howell-Jones.

Collectively they will create 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, making the invitation to the Bishop’s Leadership Team in Blackburn Diocese to join them in performances for 2020.

The 90-minute drama is the perfect way to begin Lent in 2020 and it is also a fantastic mission opportunity as those attending are encouraged to buy a ticket for themselves and another to give to a friend. It will be an opportunity to hear the Gospel message in a unique way. 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 before.”

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 lift this wonderful Gospel off the page and, I pray, show something of the grace and power of Jesus.”

Bishop Jill said: “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.”

And Buckshaw Village Church Vicar, Rev. James Gwyn Thomas, added: "If you’ve never before taken the time to reflect on the person of Jesus this could be the most influential hour and a half of your life. It is impossible to leave The Mark Drama without being moved by the lengths that Jesus went to prove his love for his people."

In this production of The Mark Drama, the journey of Jesus and his followers will be reflected 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’ which hangs above the high altar, a compelling production will unfold.

• A reminder that tickets, priced just £5 (plus a small booking fee to cover costs) are available to purchase via these links: Saturday performance Eventbrite page; Sunday performance Eventbrite page.

Ronnie Semley
21/01/2020