The Greatest Story Ever Told
Diane Louise Jordan discovers how the story of Christianity is portrayed through the ancient tradition of the Chester Mystery Plays, in which hundreds of local volunteers become cast and crew. Hymns from around the UK also reflect the gospel story, including In Christ Alone and From Heaven You Came.
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Clips
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Pete James performs Jesus Loves Me
Duration: 02:26
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God So Loved The World performed by Darwin Voices
Duration: 02:48
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The Greatest Story Ever Told Trailer (14.07.2013)
Duration: 00:50
Music Played
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes
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O Worship The Lord - the congregation of Chester Cathedral, including Sketchley Hill Primary School, St Aidan's CofE School
Conductor: Paul Leddington Wright, Words: John Samuel Bewley Monsell (1811-75)
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In Christ Alone - the Congregation of St Swithin's Church, Bath
Conductor: David Ogden Music & Words: Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
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God So Loved The World - Darwin Voices
Composer: Bob Chilcott, Conducted by: David Leeke,
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From Heaven You Came - The Congregation of All Saints' Church
Tune: The Servant King, Organist Cameron Luke, Arranger: David Ogden
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Breathe On Me, Breath of God - The Royal School of Church Music Millennium Youth Choir
Tune: Carlisle, Arranged By: David Ogden, Words: Edwin Hatch (1835-89) altd
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Jesus Loves Me - Pete James
Publisher: Elevation Music, Music & words: Pete James
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Blessed Assurance - The Congregation of Christ Church, New Mill and The Hepworth Band
Tune: Blessed Assurance, Composer:P. Knapp (1839-1908), Words: Fanny Crosbie (1820-1915)
Factsheet For Sunday 14th July
Interviews
Diane meets a range of people involved in the 5-yearly Chester Mystery Plays which ran for two weeks at the beginning of July. She asks them whether the great stories of the Bible are indeed 'the greatest story ever told'.ΜύΜύ
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Nick Fry
Actor Nick Fry, a member of Chester Cathedral congregation, Μύplays the part of God. He explains to Diane how playing the part has helped him discover the human side of God.Μύ
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Stephanie Dale
Playwright Stephanie Dale tells Diane how she has adapted the concept of the original 15th Century Chester Mystery Plays for 2013. This includes updating the idea of the Guilds – the community groups who performed the plays. Some parts of the performance have been left well alone – such as The Passion. Others have been updated, such as the Creation and Last Judgement.
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Canon Peter Howell-Jones
Vice Dean of Chester Cathedral, Canon Peter Howell-Jones, tells Diane how the staging of the plays has affected the Cathedral community – they have had to adapt from their normal sense of order, but have found the experience exciting.
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Matt Baker
Local musician Matt Baker has arranged and composed the music for the production, working around the range of musical talents in the cast. He plays Diane the gospel song he wrote for the Crucifixion scene.
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Members of the 300-strong volunteer cast and crew include Jimmy, Clare, Geoff and Jessica. Each one of them explains their passion for taking part in the production and how it informs and inspires their faith.The production has now concluded in Chester but will be staged in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in October.
Locations
Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral Office
12 Abbey Square
Chester
CH1 2HU
Other Information
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Diane Louise Jordan |
| Producer | Mark Warburton |
| Series Editor | David Taviner |
| Executive Producer | Tommy Nagra |
Broadcast
- Sun 14 Jul 2013 17:00