CAPTION: Some of the cast and crew who took part in the Ephiphany drama
Plymouth Church Performs Powerful Refugee Retelling of Story of Three Kings
The Ephipany themes of journey, welcome, generosity, what it means to be a refugee and the Good News of Jesus being for the whole world have been powerfully brought to life in a new play written and performed by members of St Mary and All Saints Church in Plymstock.
The play was written by Sara Jennet, a retired drama teacher who attends the church. It was inspired by the Journey of the Magi by T.S. Eliot and interspersed with music and monologues of stories of modern refugees.
It was performed at the church’s Ephiphany Sunday service on 4 January, following rehearsals throughout December.
Churchwarden Kerry Gilbert, who was one of the performers, said: “We decided to do the play because one of our congregation offered to do a play about Epiphany and it seemed a good time to include a creative piece instead of a sermon, particularly after Christmas when the anticipation and hubbub is over and there is a sense of post-Christmas gloom.
Kerry, who is also Chair of the House of Laity for the Diocese of Exeter, added: “We are also working towards the 5 diocesan missional priorities and for us this fits with missional DNA and mixed ecology, as it appeals to a wider missional demographic and addresses issues of social justice and generosity in our area.
“Looking at the audience as we performed, it was clear the piece had a profound effect and afterwards, over coffee and as people left, there was a hum of interested conversation about the different representation of the Magi and how their story can be put into today’s context with modern day refugees.”
The play was raising money for the charity Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS) in Plymouth. A total of £212 was collected.
Kerry explained it is a charity the church has worked closely with: “Asylum seekers have fled their homes to escape danger, not because they’d rather live here.
“In 2025 Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS) reported stark figures: 956 people used the service, representing 85 nationalities speaking 66 languages. Of these, 74% were male. Asylum seekers are given just £7 per day for all their life needs,” she said.
