Sunday 16th December 2007

Liverpool's modern take on the Christmas story has been played out on the city's streets. The Liverpool Nativity told the story of Mary, a pregnant teenager and Joseph, an asylum seeker.

A cast of 300 and 150 crew were involved in the event, which was broadcast live on BBC Three.

Stars included Cathy Tyson and Jennifer Ellison. Local actors Jodie McNee and Kenny Thompson played Mary and Joseph.

Presented by Geoffrey Hughes, the hour-long production used familiar songs from Liverpool's great pop songbook to bring the story to life.

They included tunes by The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison, Teardrop Explodes, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Icicle Works, Dead Or Alive and The Las.

The play was developed by the team behind Manchester's Passion and supported by the Liverpool Culture Company.

It is part of the lead-up to the city's year as the European Capital of Culture.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra also performed at the event at William Brown Street. The Nativity was also broadcast live on BBC Radio Merseyside.

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vycpF1B1Tss&feature=channel_page