PLANS to stage a Biblical mystery play at Great Malvern Priory later this year are attracting strong support.

Some 20 churches of all denominations from the Malvern area are now involved in the project, to the delight of director Rob Swinton.

"We canvassed all the churches in Malvern, the Anglican churches, the Catholics, the Baptist and Methodists and the Quakers, inviting them to join us in whatever capacity suited them best, and the response has been excellent," said Mr Swinton.

"The hospitality we received was great, and over 100 Malvern people expressed an interest in either taking part or helping out.

"We have just had our first read-through and, in 39 years as a professional theatre director, I have never been so moved by the thoughtfulness and emotion of a first reading of a script. It is going to be a wonderful production."

The play tells the story of the world from its creation to its end and is being staged on a massive scale.

The set will reach up towards the roof of the 1,000 year old building, and the production will feature four professional actors leading a cast of 32 amateurs, plus a few retired professionals.

"We now have our technical team in place, and it will be stunning. God will be backlit from the west window and the set will transform the Priory into a new performance space designed by the man who created the sets for TV’s Victoria," said Mr Swinton.

The church is able to put on the performance thanks to a grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund. This sponsorship forms part of a larger grant given to the Priory to carry out repairs to the stonework, with the funds raised from the production going towards the project.

Anyone who would like to get involved in any capacity from acting to ushering, backstage to refreshments, should contact Mr Swinton on rjhswinton2508@gmail.com or 01684 564928.

The mystery play runs from April 26 to May 8, and tickets are available from the priory shop, the parish office, Malvern Tourist Information centre or at ticketsource.co.uk

Mr Swinton is also hoping to provide a special performance for people with hearing impairments and an audio description for those with sight difficulties.