REDEMPTION !!!

17 Jun 2025 • Articles

Hello,

If you’re looking for theological insight or pastoral sustenance, then this month’s Staff Letter isn’t it, sorry.

Instead, I’m going to be entirely self-centred and do a plug for something that is very close to my heart, which is my musical, ‘Redemption’.

When I was a doing my curacy in Derby Diocese, I spent time in the chaplaincy at HMP Sudbury. Sudbury is a Cat D (or ‘open’ prison), and so was a bit more relaxed about who it let in and, indeed, who it let out. As part of my time there we put on a musical called ‘Daybreak’, by Paul Field, which told the Easter story. The singers and band were a mix of inmates, chaplaincy team and people from local churches. We put on a performance at the prison and then were allowed out to perform at Etwall and the Renew church in Uttoxeter.

I have a DVD of the prison performance and, to be honest, it was a little rough around the gills, but that wasn’t the point. Even I sung a verse or two, which isn’t something I’d recommend anyone listening to, unless you like death metal or the sound of a walrus with haemorrhoids. The point was to put on something that a group of randomers could join in and enjoy doing, and it had a certain power in its rawness. We even got a review in the Church Times.

After the shows, one of the prisoners suggested I write a musical myself. I asked him for a theme and he said, “Redemption, how about Saint Paul?” That seemed entirely appropriate for a prison and so I started writing. It took me about 10 years to complete, and another four to have the courage to try and put on, but finally, with the help of friends and one or two strangers, we are about to start choir rehearsals!

It is not too late to join in, however. Just as ‘Daybreak’ didn’t require anyone to audition, read music or be Freddie Mercury, I am inviting anyone who would like to take part in‘Redemption’ to get in touch. We already have a fair few – so you won’t be alone – and you will have the chance to take part in a WORLD PREMIERE performance at Checkley Community Centre on Saturday 11th October at 3pm, followed by an evening performance at St. Philips, Werrington, on Saturday 18 th October. If you’re interested, please contact Stephanie Goodwin on sjgoodwinuapreader@gmail.com or myself on joecant214@gmail.com or 07592 206706. Rehearsals start on Wednesday 2nd July but won’t all be on Wednesdays.

You welcome to take part! After all - slightly cheesily, and a touch theologically and pastorally sustaining – ‘Redemption’ is for everyone.

Peace and prayers, Joe (Rev. Joe Cant, Team Vicar, Uttoxeter Area of Parishes)