Jesus Folk

Jesus Folk emerged from an unusual beginning: initially commissioned in 1972 by Australian Christians as a children's musical with minimal Salvation Army content, the resulting work was deemed too ambitious for the original group. However, the project found new life when Gowans and Larsson adapted and expanded it for the UK's National Congress at Wembley Pool later that year. This 'patchwork' approach blended elements from its children's origins (like characters 'Mr Rat' and 'Dodo') with profound sequences such as the Crucifixion. Following its preview at Wembley, the full musical premiered at Fairfield Halls, Croydon, in January 1973, showcasing its unique structure of linked biblical vignettes focused on transformation.

Instead of a single narrative, 'Jesus Folk' presents separate incidents linked by the theme of Christ's transformative impact. Biblical characters share their encounters with Jesus (healing the paralysed hand, raising Lazarus, calling Philip, exorcising the demoniac, changing Zacchaeus, restoring Peter), interspersed with songs reflecting modern struggles and faith ('The Trouble With Me', 'Must I Just Stay The Way I Am'). The musical culminates in the crucifixion and resurrection, ending with the powerful message of Christ's continuing presence ('Goodbye... and remember... I'm with you always').