AceShowbiz - Actor Michael Sheen dragged a giant wooden cross through his hometown before acting out a "crucifixion" scene in the grand finale of a 72-hour retelling of the passion play. The star returned to his native Port Talbot, Wales to lead a marathon production which reinterpreted the Passion of Jesus Christ to mark Easter weekend, April 22-24.

Sheen remained in character as he was "baptized" in icy waves at the local beach and slept rough on a mountain on Friday, April 22. The following day, April 23, he dined on a "last supper" of beer and sandwiches at a local club, where rock band Manic Street Preachers played, before Sheen was "arrested" and hauled to a police cell.

On Easter Sunday, the actor wore a crown of thorns and was covered in fake blood as he hauled a crucifix to a traffic roundabout by the seafront for the dramatic climax. He was then resurrected, only to declare his need of a shower.

John McGrath, artistic director of National Theatre Wales, insists the project was a huge success for the thousands who took part. He says, "It's absolutely fantastic - the whole town understood it and got the bug."

"And they've rushed out again after finding their home town all over the nation's front pages - it's a real sense of celebration. It's exceeded everybody's expectations - it's caught the mood of the moment and has even been on the news in Australia. It's created a real sense of pride among people in this town."