Final Performance of Passion of Jesus Concludes 15-Year Run in Trafalgar Square
Wintershall returned to Trafalgar Square on Good Friday for its annual, and now final, performance of the Passion of Jesus, celebrating an impressive 15-year legacy of the production. The decision to end the event was driven by escalating costs and logistical challenges, but the show went on as planned, drawing an estimated 20,000 spectators across two performances.
A Grand Production with Extensive Cast and Crew
The scale of the production was immense, involving 100 volunteers and actors, one donkey, two horses, 25 homing pigeons, a sign language expert, 15 first aiders, 10 broadcast crew members, and one Jesus, portrayed by Peter Bergin. Backstage, Bergin had his 'wounds' applied in the crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields church, with makeup touch-ups handled by the mother-and-daughter team of Sarah and Angela Pickford.
Behind the Scenes and Audience Impact
During breaks, cast members grabbed lunch, while Martha Allan, who played the leper girl, sought shelter from the rain in final rehearsals. The director, Ashley Herman, oversaw the proceedings, with assistant stage manager CJ Wright monitoring the performance backstage. Emotional audience members were visible during the show, which was broadcast live on a huge LED screen and streamed on Facebook, with replays available on YouTube.
At the conclusion, Wintershall's producer, Charlotte de Klee, celebrated the successful final run, and a last team photo was taken of the cast and crew. This marks the end of an era for this iconic Easter tradition in London, leaving a lasting impact on both participants and viewers.
