When Dale Butler sat down to create a religious play last autumn he had no idea how much his own faith would be tested in the process.

His confidence in God is now stronger than ever as he prepares to bring The Second Last Supper to the stage next week.

The production tells the story of what could have happened on the night before the infamous ‘Last Supper’. It will take place at St Paul AME Centennial Hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“This play has most definitely deepened my faith in that there were so many trials along the way,” Mr Butler said.

“I would get a little discouraged each time an actor or musician dropped out and head home feeling a little disappointed.

“But then I would be walking to my bike and I’d bump into someone like a musician or someone who had heard about the play and was interested in taking part.

“Within 24 hours after running into some issue, God would come through for me.”

It taught him to not just speak about faith, but to actually believe that things would work out.

He’s hoping the audience will leave feeling just as uplifted and encouraged about what God is doing in their lives.

Directed by Rotimi Martins, the play features a multicultural cast of all ages.

Jermaine Jeffers, 36, will play the part of the disciple James, son of Zebedee.

He’s been acting since primary school.

His most recent performance was in a church production, The Christmas Story for Dummies.

“I love acting so this is a great opportunity for me,” Mr Jeffers said.

“I enjoy Dale’s stuff and I like the concept of this play in particular because I consider myself a modern day disciple of Jesus Christ.

“It’s been a joy to take part in this.”

Mr Jeffers was introduced to the church at an early age and rededicated his life around five years ago.

“In my later years I’ve come to appreciate a relationship with God and come to learn more about how awesome He is,” the actor said. “That’s why it is an honour for me to be able to serve and anytime I get an opportunity for a play like this I do it.”

He hopes the production will challenge people’s convictions about life and help them learn more about their Creator.

“I hope that people are thoroughly entertained and it takes people through different emotions,” Mr Jeffers added.

“I believe it will be funny, but it’s also a very serious play and it can run people through the gamut of emotions, take them to different places and make them feel like they were there back then.

“I also think it will be great if people could see the unity of the cast.

“Everyone has worked together and we have quite a multicultural cast, with a lot of talented people — young and old.

“It’s probably the largest cast I’ve ever worked with, so I hope that it’s thoroughly enjoyed by all.”

John Dale is one of the most experienced performers taking part in The Second Last Supper.

He’s acted for more than 40 years, frequently in Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society and Gilbert & Sullivan productions.

“I’m more of a singer than an actor,” he said.

“I sing a couple of pieces in The Second Last Supper as well.”

He was extremely impressed with how much research Mr Butler did to prepare for the play.

The playwright studied the Bible and ten additional texts before hosting a dinner with eight ministers and lay preachers from various denominations. After the script was written, Mr Butler then asked members of the religious community to review it.

Although it’s a clearly a religious play, Mr Dale feels it’s also something non-believers can enjoy.

“As a Christian myself, I found it thrilling and exciting,” he said. “But those who don’t have the faith, but do like the theatre I would encourage them to come along because it’s a good play and I think they will get something from it.”

He said the play should be particularly poignant considering it takes place before Palm Sunday.

“It’s the right time for it for those Christians in that right frame of mind, but non-believers can also come along and pick up something,” he added,

The Second Last Supper will be a fundraiser for St Paul AME Church.

Performances take place each night at 7pm; there will also be a matinee performance on Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets, $25 or $50 for patrons, are available from Music Box as well as the church.