An outdoor performance depicting the last week in the life of Jesus Christ will take place in St Neots on Easter Sunday (April 5).

The ambitious project will include an opening scene with Jesus, played by David Gower, riding over St Neots bridge into the town centre on a real donkey and culminate with the ‘crucifixion’ on the Market Square.

The St Neots Passion Play, which was first performed in 2010, will be staged on April 5 at various sites around the town and features 15 cast members, 30 singers and six dancers from the St Neots Christian Performing Arts.

The production has been two years in the planning and director Simon Cooper said although there had been some challenges in organising such a huge venture, which will move around five outdoor sites, he hoped hundreds of people would come and support the group.

“There were some logistical challenges in trying to organise road closures and all the other organisational issues involved but we are very excited and think this time round we have produced something very special.

“We have been rehearsing since Christmas and we think it will be dramatic with the donkey and some Roman solders from a re-enactment group.

“It was suggested that we organise it every year, but we think once every five years is about right.”

The Passion Play starts at 2.30pm with Jesus riding into town and the first scene will be on the Market Square. The performance is free and narrators will direct the audience from scene to scene. The Market Square will be closed for parking, but Waitrose and the Riverside car parks will be open.