Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Manchester Passion: a repeat worth watching

One of the viewing highlights of last year was the Manchester Passion, broadcast on BBC3 on Good Friday.

It’s being rebroadcast again this year – Friday 6th at 7pm on BBC3.

A normal passion play retells of the last few hour’s of Jesus’ life. In this case, contemporary music was used, featuring Manchester bands, with crowds of local people singing along. Parades winding through the city, converging on a stage in Albert Square. The songs include:

  • You're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side (Morrissey)
  • Cast No Shadow (Oasis)
  • Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division)
  • Search For A Hero (M People)
  • Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now (The Smiths)
  • Sit Down (James)
  • Blue Monday (New Order)
  • I Am The Resurrection (The Stone Roses)
  • Angels (Robbie Williams)
  • Wonderwall (Oasis)
  • Sunshine After The Rain (Elkie Brooks)

Babysitting at home and unable to get out to church, I sat enthralled as the Good Friday story was played out on screen and on the streets of Manchester. Contemporary music, blended with a two thousand year old story that came alive.

Keith Allen was a wonderful host, and the ending ... powerful viewing.

At home again this year, it should be a repeat worth watching. BBC3 at 7pm.

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