BBC TV - Broadcast Live on BBC from Liverpool

December 16th 2007

BBC Three marks Christmas 2007 with a nativity play performed live and in public on the streets of Liverpool. This major event will be the springboard for Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture 2008.

Liverpool Nativity tells the story of the first Christmas through the music of Liverpool. The familiar songs will be performed by characters in the drama and a live orchestra with fresh musical arrangements.

The hour-long production opens with the iconic image of a star that shines high in the sky above Liverpool's Liver Birds whilst below torch-lit crowds flow through the city streets towards the River Mersey. It will finish with the nativity scene brought to life on the banks of the Mersey as thousands of voices sing the lyrics of the city's great pop legacy.

Liverpool Nativity has been developed by BBC Classical Music Television, the team behind Manchester Passion and the two Flashmob operas.

BBC Commissioning Editor for Arts, Music and Religion Adam Kemp says: "After the wonderful response to Manchester Passion, we're excited to bring such an ambitious live event to the streets of Liverpool. People should expect a magnificent spectacle, a sing-along and above a genuinely moving experience. We're hoping to give Merseyside it's most memorable Christmas ever!"

The BBC has been working closely with the Liverpool Culture Company events team, who will be responsible for crowd and site management, provision of infrastructure and preparation of venues. Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, says: "We are delighted to be working with the BBC on what will undoubtedly be a unique experience for the people of Liverpool providing a fitting climax to the City's 800th anniversary year and the perfect curtain-raiser to European Capital of Culture 2008."

Liverpool Nativity is executive produced by Sue Judd and written by Andy King-Dabbs. The Musical Director is Philip Shepherd, Professor of Cello at the Royal Academy of Music.

Cast:

Andrew Schofield as Shepherd
Jodie McNee as Mary
Kenny Thompson as Joesph
Geoffrey Hughes as Gabriel
Cathy Tyson as Herodia
Stephen Fletcher as Max
Joe McGann as Magi
David Yip as Magi
Louis Emerick as Magi
Jennifer Ellison as Angel
Rachel Rae as Angel
Antonia Sheppard as Child Angel
Alfie Davis as Child Angel
Leah Hackett as Shepherd
Paul Barber as Landlord
Nerys Hughes as Woman in Cafe
Garry Marsden as Ferry Captain
and featuring
Students from LIPA, Members of local amateur dramatic and church groups and Former players of Everton Football Club