Unveiling of Reverend Ernest Marvin blue plaque: 22nd November 2024

There will be an unveiling of a Bristol Civic Society blue plaque on Friday 22 November, 11:00am at St James Church, Romney Ave, Lockleaze, Bristol BS7 9XB. The plaque commemorates the Reverend Ernest Marvin, a Presbyterian minister and inspirational youth-leader who in 1960 co-wrote a ground-breaking Passion play, A Man Dies, with teenagers forming the cast. It preceded Jesus Christ Superstar by eleven years and was performed in the church, the Colston Hall and Royal Albert Hall.

The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Andrew Varney is guest of honour.

A full report will be published on the Civic Society website and in the next edition of Better Bristol.

After the unveiling, there will be an informal gathering in the church and a screening of excerpts from a 1961 television programme about the Passion play. The Blue Plaques Panel is especially pleased to work with the Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust on this, the suburb’s first commemorative blue plaque. Do come along and join in with celebrations for a remarkable man, remembered with great affection by many residents.

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