The award-winning Riding Lights theatre company is performing The Narrow Road at St Stephen’s Church in Bristol on Tuesday 23 March.

The Narrow Road by Paul Birch is “a moving combination of powerful theatre, meditation and corporate worship”.

Sharp satirical comedy, innovative theatre and powerful Christian communication have become the hallmarks of Riding Lights’ work.

The play is about an extraordinary journey; one which will re-trace the footsteps of Jesus into a world of miracles and madness, violence and liberation. As The Narrow Road is walked, this turbulent world is turned upside down; its inhabitants confronted by an unexpected and surprising vision.

Meeting the characters and re-living the events of the gospels, this story takes its audience back along that original road, through the place of the cross and into the challenge of a life beyond.

At intervals, the performance creates space for other expressions of response , music and reflection arising out of the drama. The whole presentation becomes a powerful act of remembrance, both participatory and reflective.

The Narrow Road asks each of us to review the understanding and practice of our own faith in relation to that journey today.

Canon Tim Higgins, and Priest-in-Charge of St Stephen’s, comments:

“We are pleased to work with Riding Lights at Saint Stephen’s with this mission in Bristol’s city centre. Powerful theatre connects well in a culture of curiosity, spiritual exploration and individual journeys of faith. I am confident the theatre piece will evoke a deep response.”

Riding Lights is one of the UK’s most successful independent theatre companies and is internationally renowned for more than thirty years of touring productions.

Following the huge success of their previous plays The Passion, Calvary and Redemption Song, this new play for 2010, The Narrow Road, was commissioned by the Dean and Chapter of York and Lightline Pilgrimages, specialists in Christian travel.

Tickets: £8 for adults and £6 for concessions are available from St Stephen’s Cafe or by emailing info@saint-stephens.com

Oregon-based jazz legend David Friesen makes a rare UK appearance as part of the “Imaging God” conference on Saturday 20th June at Saint Stephens.

Guests booked for the day’s conference will be able to get tips and inspiration from David as he talks about creativity and its sources. They will also enjoy an intimate afternoon performance at Saint Stephens in the centre of Bristol.

Tickets are also available for this performance on its own. It starts at 4pm, and David will be on stage for about an hour. To book, visit http://imaginggod.eventbrite.com and select your preferred tickets.

Any queries? Call us on 0117 927 7977 or email info@saint-stephens.com

More about the Imaging God conference

On Saturday June 13th, Saint Stephens is hosting a Bristol Christian Action Network (BCAN) event which will look at the church’s response to the current financial crisis. What are the issues, what is being done now, and what else could we do as a corporate body?

Click the small flyer image to read more, or visit BCAN here.

Saturday 20th June, 10 am to 5pm

A day together to encourage creative people in the Body of Christ, enabling and supporting the people of God to carry His gifts to the world.

£25 (concessions £12) – book here

We believe in a creative, creator God. If we have received creative gifts from Him, how do we use them? Is there a set formula, or are there lots of ways God works through us creatively?

“Imaging God in the 21st Century” is your chance to:

• share your ideas and experiences with a creative body of Christians
• explore what God is doing among us with diverse arts and opportunities to worship
• stretch your imagination and faith with inspiring stories and involving workshops

The day will include physical theatre, music, visual art and storytelling, as well as times of reflection and meditation. Workshop leaders, mentors and creative church pioneers will be there to help you find practical support. The musical theme of jazz will provide a rich, playful environment for exploring spiritual expression. It’s going to be fun, and every participant gets free entry to an evening jazz concert featuring David Friesen, direct from Portland, Oregon.

Other contributors include: Judith Jarvis, Bern Leckie, David Mowat, Janice Russell, Geoff Hall, Mark Roques and David McLaughlin.

Book now

The quickest way to book in is online here. For enquries, email info@saint-stephens.com or leave a message at 0117 927 7977 stating your name, how many places you want, and your contact number or email address.

Click here for the full programme and latest updates.

This Friday, 15 May, Saint Stephens is showing a unique film as part of Bristol’s Anne Frank [+ you} programme.

Narrated by Kenneth Branagh, the 1995 film “Anne Frank Remembered” won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. It contains the only known footage of Anne herself: a brief glimpse, aged 12, watching a wedding party from her balcony.

She is perhaps Hitler’s best known victim, but what was Anne Frank really like?

Dr Debbie Pinfold of Bristol University will speak and lead discussion, and there will be wine and nibbles. Suggested donation: £5. For bookings call 0117 927 7977 or email info@saint-stephens.com