Paul

An irreverent and provocative drama questioning the basis of Christianity, by the author of The Romans in Britain.

The most famous conversion in history - when Saul became Paul on the road to Damascus - was a trick. It was actually Jesus appearing to him. Jesus did not die on the cross but was rescued and sheltered by his brother James, by Peter and by Peter's wife, Mary Magdalene. But they prefer to keep Paul in the dark because, although he is mistakenly preaching that Christ rose again, at least it keeps him busy and gets the Christian message out there...

Now imprisoned by Nero, Peter finally tells Paul the truth before they go to their deaths as the first Christian Martyrs.

Howard Brenton's play Paul was first performed at the National Theatre, London, in 2005.

Blog Post: Howard Brenton on how Paul was a turning point in his career. Read the 2018 interview here.

Extra Content: read an interview with Howard Brenton about Paul, published in the Guardian on 1 June 2006.