AMATEURS and professionals joined forces to deliver a series of innovative performances of the final days of Jesus Christ's life.

Last week saw The Poole Passion, Dorset’s largest community theatre project, return to give five performances of the play Through the Eyes of a Child to sell-out audiences.

The creative production, featuring a cast of more than 70 amateur and professional performers, played to packed crowds at Parkstone United Reform Church and St. Peter’s, Parkstone. The title role of The Child was played by Kristen Green, accompanied by Martyn Brown as the Angel, while Jamie Derrick, took on the role of Jesus.

First performed in 2009, The Poole Passion is dramatic presentation of the final days in the life of Jesus Christ, presented every two years at locations around Parkstone.

Mike Wedge, who was in the audience for one of this year's performances, said: “It deserves to achieve the same prominence as the Oberammergau Passion Play, which I saw in 1960.”

The cast were joined by students from St. Aldhelms Academy, who worked with choreographer Natasha Player to create several dance scenes and musical soloists Alex Wehlau, Nyema Kalfon, Lauren Milward and Kate Downer.

Film projections created by digital artist Martin Coyne and fire dancer Carol Childs added to make it a total immersive theatre performance.

Sharon Muiruri, artistic director and writer, said she was delighted with how the play went.

“What wonderful performances, it really was amazing," she said.

"I had the pleasure of watching as an audience member and it was a beautiful performance, a totally immersive experience.

"I was deeply touched and moved by all the kind words from our audience and want to thank everyone who made it possible.”

In 2015 The Poole Passion was the first UK play to be admitted to the Europassion Conference, while the following year's production featured on the Easter Sunday edition of BBC One’s Songs of Praise.