FINAL preparations are underway for The Poole Passion, Dorset’s largest community theatre project, which returns from March 20 to 24 with five performances of Through the Eyes of a Child.

This is the sixth production of the play, which is presented every two years at locations around Parkstone in Poole.

The performances tell a compelling story using two local venues, a participatory procession, holographic light works, powerful acting and music, and a sound and light show.

First performed in 2009, The Poole Passion has become a fixture of Poole’s cultural landscape, even featuring on BBC One’s Songs of Praise in 2016.

Sharon Muiruri, writer, artistic director and the driving force behind the production since its creation, said:

“We are delighted to have gained funding from Arts Council England and arts education agency WAVE.

“Given the current difficult financial climate it is a credit to our supporters for recognising the truly inclusive nature of our work. This means we can take more artistic risks and involve more professional artists to support this event.”

“The play’s subject is the Passion of the Christ. It resonates to those of the Christian faith, no faith and to other faiths, as the story is a vehicle for a powerful and enduring truth, that of the redemptive aspect of love.

“We’re made up of a diverse group of amateurs and professional artists from a variety of backgrounds,” said Sharon.

“As well as experienced artists, the Poole Passion regularly works with amateurs from many walks of life, including Jamie Derrick who is playing Jesus and Kristen Green as The Child.

“We have also been working with drama and dance students from St. Aldhelm’s Academy, our Angelic Angels.”

Through the Eyes of a Child will be performed on March 20-24 at 7pm, starting at Parkstone United Reformed Church on Commercial Road.

Tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for children aged between 7 and 16-years old. For more details, or to purchase tickets, visit poolepassion.com.