St John Bosco students stage powerful performance of The Passion 

A contemporary retelling of a sacred story

More than 50 students from St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, came together through music, dance and drama to perform a contemporary retelling of The Passion Play. 

Following Jesus’ final hours, St John Bosco’s Passion Play featured key moments including his betrayal at the Last Supper. It also portrayed his trial, crucifixion and resurrection.

The Passion Play is a much-loved event in the school’s calendar. Students from Years 7 to 10 participated in this year’s performance. They brought the sacred story to life through a vibrant display of acting, singing and dancing.

2026 marks the thirteenth year of St John Bosco students performing the play. While the story itself remained unchanged, the school’s chaplain, Anne Quirk, and its performing arts department worked together to combine spirituality with creative innovation. Their efforts delivered a contemporary rendition of The Passion that deeply resonated with the audience.

This year’s performance included songs from various iconic musicals. Featured pieces included ‘Gethsemane’ from Jesus Christ Superstar, ‘When You Believe’ from The Prince of Egypt, and ‘From Now On’ from The Greatest Showman. All songs were selected to reflect the themes of each scene and deepen students’ connection to the story.

A powerful message of hope

A significant moment in the play was the carrying of the cross. It is a moving scene that has been a staple of the school’s performance since 2015. During rehearsals cast members, both past and present, write words on the cross. These words represent what they see as wrongs in our world, such as poverty, corruption, hatred and war. 

For the first time, this year’s performance of the play also included a resurrection cross to represent light and hope. It provided a powerful and uplifting conclusion.

The audience, comprising of parents, carers, local parishes and members of the community, were moved by the performance. St John Bosco’s Passion Play solidified its reputation as an emotional and engaging school tradition. 

Anne Quirk, writer and director of The Passion Play at St John Bosco Arts College, said:

“I am passionate about The Passion and every year my aim is to bring it to life in a fresh and creative way. I’m extremely grateful for the support and guidance of our amazing performing arts department, which carefully considered the creative concept and how it could be translated on stage. 

“And while we may come up with the ideas, it’s the students who really make it happen. They should be extremely proud of this year’s performance which remained rooted in faith whilst staying relevant for our community.”

Mr Darren Gidman, headteacher of St John Bosco Arts College, added:

“Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s Passion Play. Both students and staff worked tirelessly to put together the production which was nothing short of perfect!

“As a Catholic arts college, we are committed to nurturing the gifts, dreams, and talents of every student in the spirit of Don Bosco. The Passion Play reflects this ethos, demonstrating how both our students and staff, can combine creativity and spirituality to inspire each other, and our wider community, to flourish in faith, hope, and love.”