one4review | On 15, Aug 2026

Maxwell Caulfield gives a mesmerising performance as Pontius Pilate in Michael Punter’s compelling Pilate: The Lost Gospel.

The play gives an imagined opportunity for one of history’s most maligned figures to give us his side of the story of the crucifixion of Jesus.

In a pre-trial hearing, Pilate takes us back through the major influences in his life: his blacksmith father who made weapons, his time under Julius Caesar, who crucified miscreants and, most significantly, his brutal experiences as a soldier in Germania, where 15,000 lives were lost.

As well as the violent influences in his life, there is romance. Pilate falls in love with Claudia, in spite of her fascination with soothsayers, and enjoys a period of domestic contentment before being sent to Judea. When Claudia becomes ill, Pilate’s employment of Judas leads him to Jesus, who miraculously cures her.

That debt makes the inevitable confrontation all the more painful. Jesus’ troublemaking leads to his arrest, leaving Pilate desperately trying to persuade him to deny being King of the Jews and therefore to save himself.

Caulfield brilliantly combines Pilate’s bravado and authority with his growing inner conflict. Punter’s excellent script never attempts to absolve Pilate, but instead explores the man behind the biblical villain. The result is thoughtful, gripping and surprisingly sympathetic and well worth the rapturous applause at the end.

*****
Reviewed by Rona
Pleasance Courtyard – Above
Until 30 August (not 12 19 or 25)
10.45 (1 hour 15 mins)