Churches across different denominations and traditions are joining together in the North Yorkshire town of Wetherby to host the Riding Lights Theatre Company.
Preluding Holy Week, the internationally renowned theatre group will be presenting their passion play, The Narrow Road, at St James’ Church on Friday, April 12 as part of their national tour.
Whether it is flying off to Nepal to visit Tear Fund projects together or securing the input of the Church Times film critic for their joint Lent lectures, ecumenism is dynamically alive in Wetherby and hosting the Riding Lights is the latest example of this.
All are welcome to attend the critically acclaimed passion play, which is given the following description on the Riding Lights website:
Amid the heat and beauty of ancient Palestine, a man stands on a dusty road. An extraordinary journey will take place, retracing the footsteps of Jesus through a world of miracles and madness, violence and liberation. As the Narrow Road is walked, this turbulent world is turned upside down and its inhabitants confronted by an unexpected and surprising vision.
As we walk with these people to the cross and on into the challenge of a life beyond it, The Narrow Road asks each of us to review our understanding of our own faith in relation to that journey. There are pauses in the performance which give opportunities for personal reflection and worship.
The priest in Charge of Wetherby, Brendan Giblin, said, “Almost 20 years ago an actor from the village I lived in played the role of God in the York Passion Play. Miraculously, as he was speaking for God, he heard God speak to him and call him to follow. He responded and his life was changed.
“Drama has a power to open our eyes to see new possibilities and to touch us at hidden, deep levels. 
“This is why I am excited that Riding Lights will be bringing the reality of Holy week and Easter alive for us.
"We hope to fill the church with people from Wetherby and the surrounding area. Who knows someone else may also have the life-changing experience of hearing God?"
Tickets are now on sale and available from the parish office of St James’ Wetherby – 01937 583074
For more information about The Narrow Road’s passion play please visit www.ridinglights.org/narrow-road