THE Bishop of Worcester is set to be crucified for the second time as part of an open-air performance in the Worcester.

The Worcester Passion Play is a free live performance detailing the day Jesus was tried and crucified before rising from the dead on Easter Sunday.

Around 60 actors and thousands of spectators are expected to swarm to the Good Friday (April 7) event in Cathedral Square.

It will be the second year the play has come to Worcester.

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Worcester News: EMOTIONAL: The play will take place in cathedral squareEMOTIONAL: The play will take place in cathedral square (Image: NQ)

The Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge will play the bad thief in the play where he will be crucified along with the other actors.

Bishop John said: “I recommend coming to the Passion Play on Good Friday in Cathedral Square.

"It will be very affecting.

"I have been asked to take the part not of Jesus but of the ‘bad thief’, the one who taunted Jesus on the cross.

"Maybe watching the bishop being crucified will be an added attentive to attend?”

Worcester News: STAGGING: Last year 1,500 people watched the showSTAGGING: Last year 1,500 people watched the show (Image: Passion Play)

The Passion Play cast is made up primarily of people from several Worcester churches and various denominations, including the Church of England, the Catholic Church, Methodists, Baptists and different non-denominational churches.

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The Worcester production is associated with the Passion Play team, who perform a live open-air performance in Trafalgar Square every Easter.

Tim Crow, Director of Worcester Passion Play, said: “The Passion Play dramatises the trial, death and resurrection of Jesus – the heart of the Christian faith and the hope for the world.

"This colourful production brings the historical events to life.”

Worcester News: The Bishop of Worcester will joining Jesus on the crossThe Bishop of Worcester will joining Jesus on the cross (Image: Worcester Passion Play)

This year's event will be slightly different from last year's, including an LED screen so everyone can see what is happening on the stage.

Local cafes, restaurants and businesses will also open early on Good Friday because of the event.

The Worcester Passion Play will start at 10.30am and is a free-to-attend event, but donations are welcome.

The event also has a section cornered off at Ask Italian, where someone will sign the play for those hard of hearing.

All pictures by Purple Swan Photography.