Final rehearsals are taking place in the Diocese this week for 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 will be performed as theatre-in-the-round. ​

For this production, audiences will be able to experience it at Blackburn Cathedral with a cast that includes all three Bishops of the Diocese, along with other members of the Bishop’s Leadership Team.

Media focus: Read a story about this production in the Lancashire Post and read a story and listen to coverage by Premier Christian Radio. 

It takes place this Saturday and Sunday, February 29 and March 1 at 7.30pm each evening. Tickets, priced just £5 (plus a small booking fee to cover costs) are still available to purchase for both nights via the ‘Events calendar’ on www.blackburn.anglican.org or directly via these links: 

• Saturday performance Eventbrite page
• Sunday performance Eventbrite page

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. People from all over the County have booked already to attend.

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 and members of Buckshaw Village Church near Chorley.

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 for Blackburn Diocese to join them in performances for 2020.

Since its inception The Mark Drama, created by Andrew Page, has been performed right across Europe and throughout the world. It is the perfect opportunity to hear the Gospel message in a unique way. Please note the production is not suitable for children aged 8 and under.

Bishop Julian said: “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."

• A final 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. 

Top picture: The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Julian Henderson, right, the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev Philip North, left and the Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff are getting ready to perform The Mark Drama.

Middle picture: The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Julian Henderson, centre, with the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev Philip North, left, and the Vicar of Buckshaw Village Church near Chorley, Rev James Gwyn Thomas, during a recent rehearsal evening at Bishop’s House in  Salesbury.

Bottom picture: Some of the cast, members of the Bishop’s Leadership Team and Buckshaw Village Church near Chorley, pictured at a recent rehearsal at Bishop’s House in Salesbury. 

Ronnie Semley
26/02/2020