TV Fascinated by Passion

29 January 2008

A BBC TV series retelling the last week in the life of Jesus Christ has been creating interest.  The Chair of the Churches’ Media Council has written to a hundred national church leaders urging them to prepare for the broadcast of BBC One’s series ‘The Passion’.

In his letter Reverend Dr Joel Edwards says, “From time to time opportunities arise nationally that provide significant moments for the Christian faith to engage with our culture.  One such opportunity will be the forthcoming BBC series ‘The Passion’.”  He expects the series to make “a huge national impact” over the Easter season.

The series, which starts on Palm Sunday (16 March), will be scheduled in peak time on BBC One.  It is likely to attract audiences in excess of 10 million.  It tells the story of the last week of Jesus’ life, his trial and crucifixion.  The last episode, to be broadcast on Easter Sunday (23 March), dramatises his post-resurrection appearances.  It has been made by award-winning drama producer Nigel Stafford-Clark, who was responsible for Bleak House and Warriors.  The cast includes Cold Feet star James Nesbitt as Pilate and EastEnders actor Paul Nicholls as Judas Iscariot.  The part of Jesus is played by the Bristol-trained actor, Joseph Mawle, who at 33 is the same age as Jesus during the events of the Passion.

Andrew Graystone, Director of the Churches’ Media Council, was profoundly moved by early versions of the series.  “This is an extremely vivid piece of drama.  You feel you are right there, in amongst the Passover crowds, alongside the disciples as Jesus comes out with these simple but earth-shattering messages.  And then of course, he’s taken away and makes the ultimate sacrifice, and like the disciples, you’re left to decide what you are going to do about it.”

The Churches’ Media Council is made up of representatives of all the major Christian churches in the UK, together with some of the larger Christian organisations.   The task of the Churches’ Media Council is to build a bridge of understanding between the Christian community and the media.

The Churches’ Media Council also runs theMediaNet, an Association of Christians in Media.

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