Easter is coming. You probably know this already, as since November the shops have been stacked with chocolate eggs and bunnies. Many welcome the excuse for a holiday, others would claim Easter never happened and some can’t really recall what the story is even about.

Painting a rather bleak picture of the most important date in the Christian Calendar? Well good news is about to broadcast into every front room in Britain. The BBC has created a bold new drama retelling the Easter story.

"From time to time, opportunities arise nationally that provide significant moments for the Christian faith to engage with our culture. One such opportunity will be the forthcoming BBC series, 'The Passion'."
Rev Dr Joel Edwards

On Palm Sunday 2008, the BBC will broadcast the first episode of The Passion, a major prime-time drama. Rooted in the messy history of Jerusalem and told from the point of view of Pilot, the High Priest Caiaphas and of course Jesus himself, the series will culminate on Easter Sunday.

Award-winning drama producer, Nigel Stafford-Clark ('Bleak House' & 'Warriors') is in charge of production with the script written by Emmy Award winner, Frank Deasy ('Prime Suspect' & 'England Expects').

The cast is choc-a-bloc with fantastic actors including, James Nesbitt ('Cold Feet') as Pilate, and David Oyelowo as Joseph of Arimathea ('Spooks' & 'The Last King of Scotland'). The part of Jesus is played by Joseph Mawle, who at 33 is the same age Jesus would have been at the time of the events.

Rejesus and the Churches Media Council have Passion resource pages with information and tips on how to use this opportunity to share the Easter story with family and friends.