Passion Trust Conference Saturday 24th October 2026
Hereford Cathedral, Hereford, HR1 2DS
Saturday 24th October 2026
The Passion Trust conference returns in 2026 with a day of talks and seminars in the historic Hereford Cathedral. An exciting day exploring topics relating to Passion Plays, the best of past open-air performances, practical seminars and workshops, and unique funding opportunities. Connect with people who are already making Passion Plays happen across the UK. This is the only time of the year when all the best directors, producers, actors and fundraisers are in the same place at the same time!
Whether you are already involved in a Passion Play, thinking about starting one, or simply curious about how this extraordinary form of community theatre can work in your town or city, this is the place to come for ideas, encouragement and vital connections.
The Passion Trust brings together directors, producers, actors, writers, fundraisers, academics, volunteers, churches and theatre professionals – creating a unique opportunity to learn from those who have been there, done it and discovered what works. Sessions will cover everything from fundraising and marketing to directing, practical production, administration, community involvement and scriptwriting.
For full details see the Passion Trust website: https://passiontrust.org/passion-trust-conference-returns/
Hosts and Speakers
Ashley Hermann, director of the iconic Trafalgar Square Passion Play and Trustee of the Wintershall Mystery Plays. Over his career Ashley has produced or co-produced nearly 40 West End productions and touring productions. He is a Founding Director of Playing Field Theatre Ltd, one of the UK's leading theatre production partners and is a Trustee, Companion and Chair of LIPA: The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
David Robinson, actor, script-writer and artistic director of Searchlight Theatre Company, he has acted in many Passion Plays as well as written his own plays, touring productions and performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Rev. James Pacey, Canon Chancellor at Hereford Cathedral, is directing the Hereford Mystery Plays which will be performed during the weekend of the conference.
Suzanne Lofthus, artistic director of Cutting Edge Theatre and director of the Easter play performed every year under Edinburgh Castle. Suzanne has directed Passion Plays around the world from Brazil to Milan to Angola Jail in Louisiana.
James Burke-Dunsmore, the actor who has performed the role of Jesus more times than anyone else in the UK. From small beginnings in Wales to the Wintershall production in Trafalgar Square drawing tens of thousands of people every Easter.
Conference Dinner and Performance
The conference dinner will be on Friday evening, followed by a performance of the Hereford Mysteries at the Cathedral. The Passion Trust will make a group booking at a restaurant near the Cathedral - contact us if you want to join.
The Hereford Mysteries which will be performed in the Cathedral over the same weekend with a generous 50% discount using the code PASSION at checkout.
The Hereford Mysteries is an unforgettable theatrical experience - a sweeping retelling of the Bible’s story from Genesis to Revelation, from creation to new creation. Set within the awe-inspiring space of Hereford Cathedral and driven by a powerful soundtrack, this epic production brings to life God’s story of hope, love, and redemption in a bold and breathtaking new way. On both Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th the performance will begin at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) and tickets cost £10 per adult. See their website for more information and to buy tickets: www.herefordcathedral.org/Event/hereford-mysteries-2026
Accommodation
Travelodge is the cheapest option and is a 13 minute walk from the conference venue. There are other independent hotels nearby including the Green Dragon Hotel and Castle House Hotel.
Whether you are already involved in a Passion Play, thinking about starting one, or simply curious about how this extraordinary form of community theatre can work in your town or city, this is the place to come for ideas, encouragement and vital connections.
The Passion Trust brings together directors, producers, actors, writers, fundraisers, academics, volunteers, churches and theatre professionals – creating a unique opportunity to learn from those who have been there, done it and discovered what works. Sessions will cover everything from fundraising and marketing to directing, practical production, administration, community involvement and scriptwriting.
For full details see the Passion Trust website: https://passiontrust.org/passion-trust-conference-returns/
Hosts and Speakers
Ashley Hermann, director of the iconic Trafalgar Square Passion Play and Trustee of the Wintershall Mystery Plays. Over his career Ashley has produced or co-produced nearly 40 West End productions and touring productions. He is a Founding Director of Playing Field Theatre Ltd, one of the UK's leading theatre production partners and is a Trustee, Companion and Chair of LIPA: The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
David Robinson, actor, script-writer and artistic director of Searchlight Theatre Company, he has acted in many Passion Plays as well as written his own plays, touring productions and performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Rev. James Pacey, Canon Chancellor at Hereford Cathedral, is directing the Hereford Mystery Plays which will be performed during the weekend of the conference.
Suzanne Lofthus, artistic director of Cutting Edge Theatre and director of the Easter play performed every year under Edinburgh Castle. Suzanne has directed Passion Plays around the world from Brazil to Milan to Angola Jail in Louisiana.
James Burke-Dunsmore, the actor who has performed the role of Jesus more times than anyone else in the UK. From small beginnings in Wales to the Wintershall production in Trafalgar Square drawing tens of thousands of people every Easter.
Conference Dinner and Performance
The conference dinner will be on Friday evening, followed by a performance of the Hereford Mysteries at the Cathedral. The Passion Trust will make a group booking at a restaurant near the Cathedral - contact us if you want to join.
The Hereford Mysteries which will be performed in the Cathedral over the same weekend with a generous 50% discount using the code PASSION at checkout.
The Hereford Mysteries is an unforgettable theatrical experience - a sweeping retelling of the Bible’s story from Genesis to Revelation, from creation to new creation. Set within the awe-inspiring space of Hereford Cathedral and driven by a powerful soundtrack, this epic production brings to life God’s story of hope, love, and redemption in a bold and breathtaking new way. On both Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th the performance will begin at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) and tickets cost £10 per adult. See their website for more information and to buy tickets: www.herefordcathedral.org/Event/hereford-mysteries-2026
Accommodation
Travelodge is the cheapest option and is a 13 minute walk from the conference venue. There are other independent hotels nearby including the Green Dragon Hotel and Castle House Hotel.
