Matthew's Passion

And will the breezes blow the petals from your hand?
And will some loving ease your pain
And will this silence drive confusion from your soul?
And will the swallows come again

Late September - the swallows are flying South and the church where Matthew's father preaches prepares for its Harvest Thanksgiving service.

But this sixteen-year-old autistic boy finds religious matters bewildering at best and scary at worst - and does his level best to avoid them whenever possible - preferring the company of his beloved birds.

In the hope of firing an interest in her son which may have a positive and calming effect, Matt's mother introduces him to a local music therapist. From the moment he hears the strumming of its strings, Matt is hooked on the guitar’s mellifluous sounds - likening it to the bird songs he knows so well and the gentle sounds of the early morning breeze when he is alone in his 'hide'.

Mike James's new drama Matthew’s Passion is a specially commissioned work by Winterlight Productions and is directed by Chris Durnall. It features a young boy from the community in the title role and includes an original score composed by renowned folk musicians Robin and Bina Williamson.

Ages 14+
The production contains scenes of an adult nature.