The Bible as you’ve never heard it before

• Posted by admin on October 11th, 2010 filed in Books and CD's

It’s brought together the biggest cast Riding Lights Theatre Company has ever assembled, dramatised the New Testament in a radical new style and will result in hundreds of people listening to the Bible in a way they’ve never done before.

Bible Society’s new ‘You’ve Got the Time’ project sees the New Testament dramatised in 40 half hour audio clips for those who say they haven’t got the time in their busy lifestyles to read the Bible.

31 TV and stage actors from Riding Lights Theatre Company, based in York, took part in the recording, including Russell Boulter, probably best known as DI Boulton from ITV’s The Bill, and National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company actor Israel Oyelumade.

‘It was thrilling to do’, says Russell who played Luke, ‘I think what we’ve produced is something that makes you hear the Bible. When you hear it something powerful happens.’

Israel, 41, who plays Jesus in John’s Gospel, says that while recording the Last Supper, as Judas betrays Jesus, ‘There was just silence. We sat there as the truth of that hit us. It was actually quite soul-searching.’

Andy Bissex, Bible Society’s Head of Community Giving says, ‘You’ve Got the Time is about bringing the Bible back into everyday life, about renewing our relationship with God in the midst of life. It’s something everyone in churches can do.’

Paul Burbridge, Artistic Director of Riding Lights Theatre Company says:
“Working with the Bible Society on this project ties in with Riding Lights’ vision of getting theatre everywhere. This recording is fresh and surprising in many ways, giving every verse a human ‘voice’. It’s exciting, fast-paced and makes you want to listen to a bit more! There are some wonderful dramatic performances as well as some amusing characters which spark the imagination and take us to the heart of the stories, people and teaching of the first century. ”

Bible Society research also says that many people struggle to read the Bible alone, so ‘You’ve Got the Time’ comes with a resource pack to go with the recordings and to get people talking about what they’ve heard. It’s hoped many churches will follow the 40 day listening plan over the New Year or during Lent next year.

The MP3 files and resource pack can be downloaded free from www.biblesociety.org.uk/ygtt, but Bible Society is asking for donations to help change the lives of thousands of Christians in Africa who can’t afford to buy an audio Bible.

Bible Society has 5,000 groups in Tanzania who listen to scripture, just as churchgoers in England and Wales will be doing, but wants to increase that to 8,000. Money raised will buy hard disc players called Proclaimers which groups can use to listen to the Bible.

‘From the New Testament depicted in the Riding Lights recording to your church and then to the church in Tanzania,’ Andy Bissex says, ‘You’ve Got the Time’, is a community project on every level. It’s something that will revitalise our discipleship, stewardship, awareness of mission and our church life.’