A CAST of 25 plus a crowd of around 150 people moved around Settle to four locations for the town’s 12th annual Passion Play “Journey to the Cross” on Good Friday.

“The Last Supper” took place at St John’s Church, “The Arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane” at the Millennium Garden, “The Trial of Jesus” in the Market Place and “The Crucifixion” at the grounds of the Parish Church.

The striking event had been organised by Churches Together in Settle and District and the cast included people from nine different churches in and around Settle.

Michael Cullingworth was producer and director of the the play which this year introduced a new actor, Jonathan Jackson of Giggleswick, who played the role of Jesus. Maurice Walters took on the role Pontius Pilate at short notice while Ray Jones gave an excellent performance as the High Priest. Joy Orwell gave a sterling performance as Mary Magdalene and Liam Dillon gave another powerful rendering of the centurion.

The sound system, organised by John Diggles, relayed sound to the crowd.

Sally Waterson, stage manager and wardrobe mistress said: “The cast really excelled despite the producer not being there. I found the whole event very moving”.

Reverend Tim Broughton, Methodist Minister at St Johns, Settle, watched the play for the first time. He said: “It bought the gospel to life along the streets of Settle.”

Jonathan Jackson added: “It was a privilege to play the part of Jesus. It was very moving and powerful. During one of the practices I found myself emotionally overwhelmed when playing the scene on the cross.”