AN audience of around 250 were treated to a inspired performance in an Isle of Wight village re-enacting the last few days of Jesus’s life.

The Brighstone Passion Play took place on the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday around the village of Brighstone, and included a cast of local people.

The play started with Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which involved donkeys from the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, and included the Last Supper, Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’s trial before Pilate, and his crucifixion and resurrection.

Among the cast dressed in first-century costumes were Ivan Rendell as Jesus, Mark Tuckey as Judas and many local people depicting the disciples, priests and Pharisees, as well as Pilate and Herod Antipas. Emily Scotcher, as Mary Magdalene, sang In my heart, I know my Saviour lives by Manoling Francisco, and a choir of worshippers, supported by Cantus Vesperi, led by Charles Paterson, also sang during the production.

Director Chris Biggs said: “In all of the characters, the audience witnessed the humanity of those involved in the real passion of Christ and Ivan portrayed both the human Jesus as well as Jesus, the Son of God.

“As producer, it was indeed a humbling experience, and when Emily Scotcher sang, uncontrollable tears streamed down my face, due to the beauty of her voice and of the words. Emily left a mark on every soul present. God so expertly and touchingly directed the whole thing. It was a privilege to be part of it.”

The performance took place around the village, with refreshments afterwards in St Mary’s Church, the Methodist Chapel and the Wilberforce Hall.