JESUS Christ may be the most famous man who ever walked this earth and portraying him is no mean feat.

But that challenge lies ahead for Frazer Blaxland, 31, who will star in the role for the Marlborough Community Passion Play, which will be played out on the town’s streets on Easter Saturday, April 15.

The community project, which focuses on the last days of Jesus Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection, will feature up to 250 people, many of which will be made up of Marlborough residents.

After studying drama theatre at Roehampton University, the National Youth Theatre and then the Rose Bruford Drama School in Kent, Mr Blaxland was eager to take on the challenge and cannot wait for the upcoming rehearsals.

“When Helen Stokes, who is putting this together, approached me to play the role, I leapt at the chance – it is not every day that you get to play the most famous character of them all,” said Mr Blaxland, who lives in Richmond, London.

“This will be a unique experience and one I cannot wait for. Instead of performing in a theatre, this will be on the town’s streets and gives people the chance to get involved in this special occasion.

“To play such a loving, peaceful and revered character is an opportunity I could not refuse and knowing that the community will be involved is magical. It is very different but very specific. The sheer size of it is an experience in itself.”

“We finished the auditions a couple of months ago and now we have the rehearsals to look forward to which will bring this all together.”

Drama teacher Helen Stokes and her husband Vincent are putting on the passion play, which is supported by Marlborough Churches Together, and although the main roles are filled, local residents still have a big part to play in the show.

“What is so great about productions like this is that it is so interactive. Even if people wear sheets and put towels on their heads they can be part of it all,” added Mr Blaxland.

“There are workshops to come about costumes and roles, it is just so exciting. I am sure it will be a fantastic spectacle as something like this is quite a rare occurrence.”

“I will be travelling up in the next few months, as Jesus on a motorbike, when we put it all together.”

For more details about the play and how to get involved, e-mail marlbopp2017@gmail.com.