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The Way of the Cross - Bendigo is a theatrical, live performance, re-telling the true story of the last few days, Trial, Death and Resurrections of Jesus Christ.

The story we will tell is historically accurate. The relationships we portray articulate the depths of love given to humankind, and the message we bring will provide hope to the world!

Preparations for The Way of the Cross 2024 are underway, performing as part of the 2024 Bendigo Easter Festivities on Good Friday March 29th 2024 in Rosalind Park, Bendigo. The performance begins at 8pm, but you are recommended to arrive as early as 7.30pm with a chair or picnic blanket as the space fills up very quickly.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us through Facebook or via our email or Contact page.



What is The Way of the Cross?

For 150 years years in Bendigo, Easter has been celebrated with special activities in and around the city. For at least 15 of these years Christian churches in Bendigo presented a collaborative, live, outdoor theatrical presentation called The Way of the Cross telling the story of the last supper, arrest, trial, death, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The production is a pivotal retelling of the Christian faith, incorporating drama, music, and specialized lighting, and is performed on Good Friday evening in Bendigo, Australia.

The Way of the Cross was traditionally part of the annual Easter celebrations in Bendigo, growing to become a cherished event for the community. However, due to declining support, the production was not performed for several years until 2022.

In response to the Bendigo Easter Festival's request to revive the historic production as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations in 2020, a dedicated inter-church committee was formed to recreate the original script with modern enhancements. Due to COVID the festival, including the production, was delayed for 2 years, but in 2022 we were able to continue with our plans. Directed by Vern Wall in 2022, Julie Lovell in 2023, and again by Julie Lovell for 2024. A cast and crew have been assembled and rehearsals commenced.

The aim of The Way of the Cross is to bring to life the foundational Easter story and challenge the audience to revisit their understanding of Jesus' authority and divinity.


“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.””

John 14:6

WOTC Good Friday 2023 performance by ARTEM Films.

 The Way of the Cross Cast List 2024

Director: Julie Lovell

Narrator 1/Woman @ 1 st Denial/Crowd/Crucifixion/Gathering: Audrey Del Rosario

Narrator 2/Roman Centurion: David Bruce

Narrator 3: Judie O’Meara

Jesus: Beyers Eramus

Simon Peter: Bill Volkofsky

John: Ben Reid

James: Benjamin Pentreath

Thomas/Soldier 5: Logan Jasper

Judas Iscariot/Soldier 2: Mark Morley

Philip/Soldier 3: Ashley Taylor

Andrew (Peter’s brother)/Soldier 1: Ashir Morris

Judas son of James/Soldier 4: Kyle Waddington

Simon the Zealot/Criminal 2: Matt Smith

James son of Alphaeus/Criminal 1: Abe Steel

Bartholomew: Andy Cameron

Matthew: Antonio Del Rosario

Caiaphas (High Priest): Peter Wheeldon

Malchus – chief of staff to Caiaphas/Angel: James Courtman

Annas (former High Priest): Brian Stanmore

Benjamin (Priest): Geoff Vendy

Mordecai (Priest): Mike Bellamy

Reuben (priest): Malcolm Armstrong

Pontius Pilate: Hugh Elphinstone

Temple Guard 1/Simon of Cyrene: Stuart Chignell

Temple Guard 2/Crucifixion Gathering/Crowd: Meg Chignell

Servant Girl @ 1 st Denial/Crowd: Leah Morley

Servant Boy @ Last Supper/Boy @ 3 rd Denial/Slave of Pilate/Crowd: Aengus Chignell

Servant @ Last Supper/Woman 3 rd Denial/Crowd/Crucifixion Gathering: Christine MacDonald

Servant @ Last Supper/Crowd/Crucifixion Gathering: Clare Bellamy

Mary – Mother of Jesus/Crowd: Jennifer Sawyer

Mary Magdalene/Crowd: Charlotte Hull

Mary of Clopas/Crowd: Anne Buckingham

Mary Mother of James/Crowd: Ereeny Khozam

MC at the end of the show: Trev Bell

Back Stage: John Freeman, Abe Steel, Mark Ludwell, Matt Becker, Will Scott

Costumes: Cindy Bell & Karen Armstrong