 | | Stars of the Passion |
Manchester Passion is a contemporary retelling of the last hours of Jesus’ life told through the music of Manchester. A crowd in Albert Square will be invited to join in the choruses of popular songs including Sit Down, Search for a Hero and Wonderwall. Music from the cream of Manchester bands will be performed live by characters in the drama, who will be accompanied by a 16-piece string orchestra and busking disciples who play guitar, cello and accordion. Songs include Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division); Search For A Hero (M People), Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now (The Smiths); Blue Monday (New Order) and Wonderwall (Oasis).
Albert Square is the destination point for a procession who will carry a huge cross. The 8 metre long luminous cross, weighing ½ ton, will be borne aloft through the streets of Manchester to arrive in Albert Square for the moment of Crucifixion. When and where: The event comes live from Manchester’s Albert Square on Good Friday Friday 14 April, 9pm – 10pm). Taking part: Gather in Albert Square from 8pm to watch the story unfold, re-enact the drama of the Passion’s crowd scene, choosing between Jesus and Barrabas. And sing along to a host of legendary Manchester songs. Entry is FREE. The event finishes at 10pm. Who's in it:
 | | Primal: Denise Johnson will play Mary |
Primal Scream vocalist, Denise Johnson, has been confirmed to take the role of the Virgin Mary. Tim Booth, lead singer of James, plays Judas, Darren Morfitt (Dog Soldiers) plays Jesus and Nicholas Bailey (Dr Antony Trueman in EastEnders) plays Peter. The whole event will be presented by actor Keith Allen (Bodies, 24 Hour Party People) Manchester music: The crowd in Albert Square will be able to sing along to some of the finest music to come out of Manchester in the past 25 years, with words being displayed on a giant screen. Songs include: The songs are performed as follows: - Jesus sings You're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side (Morrissey)
- Mary sings Cast No Shadow (Oasis)
- Jesus sings Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division) at the Last Supper.
- Mary sings Search For A Hero (M People)
- Judas sings Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now (The Smiths) as he is about to betray Jesus.
- Jesus sings Sit Down (James) to the sleeping disciples
- Jesus and Judas sing Blue Monday (New Order)
- Peter sings I Am The Resurrection (The Stone Roses) when he betrays Jesus
- Mary sings Angels (Robbie Williams)
- Jesus and Pontius Pilate sing Wonderwall (Oasis)
- Mary sings Sunshine After The Rain (Elkie Brooks)
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Getting there:
 | | Ode to Joy Division |
The nearest public car parks are Manchester GMEX, Great Northern Car Park and Oxford Street. The nearest Metrolink Tram stop is St Peter’s Square. A Bank Holiday service will operate with trams running every 15 minutes. A reduced bus and train service will operate. Please call GMPTE on 0161 228 7811 for visit www.gmpte.com for specific route information and times. Facilities: Public toilets will available at Mount Street. There is a disabled viewing platform available in Albert Square. For further information, call 0845 30 31 500 On TV/ radio: Manchester Passion will be broadcast live on BBC Three at 9pm on Good Friday (14 April) and repeated on BBC Two at 11pm. There will also be live coverage with Terry Christian on BBC Radio Manchester 95.1FM (14 April, 7 - 10pm) | 
