Eddie Izzard: Marathon Man For Sport Relief

Recorded from a live performance on Saturday 26th March at Campfield Market in Manchester, this promenade opera should prove a bold, contemporary retelling of the last days of Jesus’s life. Based on Bach’s St Matthew Passion, it’s performed by an ensemble cast from Streetwise Opera – whose singers include former homeless people – and acclaimed early music choir The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers. There’s also an addition to Bach’s Passion: a “resurrection finale” written by Streetwise Opera in collaboration with celebrated composer Sir James MacMillan. The big names involved just keep coming, as award-winning director Penny Woolcock captures the whole, immersive experience. It sounds like a real Easter treat. About this programme A street theatre performance depicting the last days of Jesus' life, staged in Manchester's Campfield Market and created and performed by members of charity Streetwise Opera and performance ensemble the Sixteen. The show, directed by Penny Woolcock, draws inspiration from Bach's 1727 oratorio St Matthew Passion, and features a specially composed finale depicting the resurrection, written in collaboration with James MacMillan. Introduced by Mark Radcliffe.