Thief to tell all in Peach Place on Good Friday

WOKINGHAM town centre is to become a theatre on Good Friday as Christians remember the events of the first Easter.

The passion play is by Wokingham author and script writer Jackie Mouradian, and looks at the final days of Jesus’ time on earth.

Good Friday is the day Christians mark the death of Jesus through crucifixion, one of the most cruel methods of death used by the Roman Empire.

The play will explore these events, as Ms Mouraian explains: “It relates the last hours and days of Jesus’ life, leading to the crucifixion.

“What happened to Jesus is told through readings and drama, with four actors playing Mary Jesus’ mother, the thief on the cross, Mary Magdalene, and Peter.

“The piece is underscored throughout too, with a singer, and a keyboard player providing a musical soundscape.”

The play is organised by Churches Together Wokingham, and it has been an annual tradition, however it has been on hold since the covid pandemic. Now, it is back.

This year, the performers are drawn from Wokingham Baptist

Church. Its pastor, the Revd Nick Hudson, said: “This is the crucifixion story seen through the eyes of key people who knew Jesus.

“It shares a moment that lies at the very centre of the Christian story.

“People may have a faded memory of the crucifixion, or it may be entirely new to them, but it is important for the whole of our society.

“Jesus’ death shapes everything that Christians believe about the world.

“It deals with the brokenness of humanity – but ultimately it is a story of hope.

“So it’s wonderful to be able to perform this publicly in a way that is accessible to everyone, whether they have a faith or not.”

Visitors to the Good Friday presentation in previous years will remember that it has been staged in Market Place.

This year, on Good Friday, March 29, it takes place for the first time in Peach Place.

The free performance takes place at noon, and lasts 45 minutes. All are welcome.