Public Execution

Scourging at Nelson’s Column

by Ed Beavan

THE fountains in Trafalgar Square, London, will be turned off on Good Friday, when thousands are expected to gather there for a re-enactment of Christ’s Passion by a cast of 107.

Peter Hutley, the owner of the Wintershall Estate in Surrey, where large outdoor Passion plays are regularly staged, has written the play and is producing it.

Simon Hemingway will play Jesus. Most of the cast will have changed into their costumes before they arrive in the square; but 25 will use the crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields. The execution squad of Roman soldiers will wear replica armour of the 12th legion.

Technical staff will arrive in the square at 4 a.m. to set up the stage and put up loudspeakers and bar riers, and The Passion of Jesus will be performed at 12 noon (dress re hearsal) and 3.15 p.m.

Crowd-safety experts have been hired, as it is thought that the au dience could exceed 10,000 over the two performances. Traffic around the square is expected to continue as normal.

Mr Hutley said that the play would “pull no punches”. It was an opportunity to show that the Chris tian faith was active, and for Jesus to leave his “indelible mark” on people. He hinted that the fountains might be turned back on for dramatic effect at some point.