A community Passion Play performed in the centre of Oxford this Easter brought together churches, creatives and local residents in a powerful expression of faith, creativity and inclusion.
All photo credit to Philip King Photography
A total of £1,000 from the Diocese of Oxford’s Development Fund was used for the production of And A Sword Shall Pierce Your Soul, a play staged on Holy Saturday in Bonn Square and New Road Baptist Church Oxford.
The play was led by St Matthew’s Church Oxford and St Michael at the North Gate, and supported by six other local churches. It began outdoors in Bonn Square, just steps from the busy Westgate shopping centre. The Pearly Gates Gospel Choir set and exuberant atmosphere, followed by the first scene of the wedding feast at Cana. The joyful dancing to live music invited shippers and passersby to pause, watch, and to experience the full story. The actors brought those watching with them to the New Road Baptist Church for the remainder of the performance.
Written by professional playwright Carolyn Lloyd-Davies and directed by Marion Bloice-Smith, the production used contemporary language while remaining faithful to the biblical narrative, from the Wedding at Cana through to the Resurrection.
Featuring actors, dancers, singers and musicians, the play created a rich, multi-layered retelling of the Easter story.
A growing vision for inclusion and outreach
The 2026 performance builds on the success of earlier productions. A 2022 Passion Play at St Matthew’s drew strong audiences, while a 2024 adaptation in Hinksey Park reached more than 400 people.
These experiences have shaped a vision for taking the story beyond church walls and into public spaces.
Revd Jenni Williams, Vicar of St Matthew’s, said:
“Drama is a powerful creative force, which can inspire, change and unite disparate groups of people. Because of the support we received, we were able to produce a more inclusive Community Passion Play this Easter.”
“We truly believe the seeds for this project were sown by the Holy Spirit. What began as an idea during lockdown has grown into something that brings people together from across the city.”
A shared creative effort across churches
The production was delivered by a large team of 71 volunteers, drawing on talent from across Oxford’s churches and wider community.
Participants and invited audience members included:
- Local families and neighbourhood groups
- Residents from Pegasus Grange retirement home
- People from local social housing communities
- Performers and creatives from multiple churches
The project was designed to be fully inclusive, welcoming people of all faiths or none. It offered opportunities to take part as actors, musicians, technicians, designers or support crew.
Revd Anthony Buckley, Vicar of St Michael at the North Gate, said:
“St Michael’s takes seriously its role as the City Church of Oxford. We support events that help make the Gospel known and bring diverse people together. The Passion Play does exactly that, allowing the story to speak for itself.”
Free to attend, open to all
In keeping with its inclusive vision, the performance was free to attend.
A voluntary collection was held, continuing a tradition of supporting a local community church. Previous performances have raised funds for community causes including an adventure playground in 2022 and Archway, a charity tackling loneliness.
Supported by grants and partnership
The total cost of the 2026 production was just under £10,000, supported by a range of funders including the Diocese of Oxford’s Development Fund, the Gladiator Trust and the Passion Trust.
This investment helped provide essential elements such as technical equipment, microphones and licensing.
A witness in the city
Set in one of Oxford’s busiest public spaces, the Passion Play offered a moment of reflection and encounter during Holy Week.
By bringing together churches, creatives and the wider community, the project reflects a shared commitment to being an inclusive, welcoming Church. A Church that creates space for people to belong, to express their gifts, and to explore faith together.