Passion of Christ comes to Brighton once more

Soul By The Sea’s Passion of Christ will be staged outside St Peter’s Church, Brighton, complete with a blood-soaked crucifixion.

The free event is being held in the city for the fourth time.

Director James Burke-Dunsmore, who is also returning as Jesus after sitting out last year, has promised the best event to date.

He said: “I wasn’t able to perform last year because of the schedule but I’m delighted to be back.

“This is my 80th production but every time I perform I feel the role becomes richer and richer.

“Over the years the part has got through the skin and through the bone and has now got into the soul.”

This year’s performance, which will be held on Easter Sunday between 2pm and 4pm, will see tweaks to last year’s script while staying true to the scripture.

Mr Burke-Dunsmore, who has performed in the role for 16 years, said audiences would be treated to a version which incorporates all four gospels.

There will also be new actors, most coming from Sussex.

While many have praised the production for its gritty realism and quality of acting, others have criticised it for being overly gory and graphic.

Mr Burke-Dunsmore defended the play adding that he was committed to the true retelling of the story.

He said: “Theatre is one of the most generous art forms in that respect.

“With theatre right from the start you make an agreement with the audience to suspend belief.

“That is a willing agreement and one understood by all.

“I think film for example is different. With film it is almost as if it’s footage of the actual event.”

Dismissing the suggestion the production was not suitable for all, he said audiences demanded the real deal. He said: “I always remember speaking to an old lady after a particular gruesome version of Macbeth I was in.

“She asked me what I was in next and I said I was playing Jesus. She said ‘wonderful, but only if you do it properly with plenty of blood’.”

The performance is free. For more details visit www.soulbythesea.info.