Geoffrey Hughes, Cathy Tyson and Jennifer Ellison star in Liverpool Nativity – a contemporary retelling of the Christmas story live on the streets of Liverpool.

Far from being the simple story beloved of school plays throughout the world, this is a drama as fresh and relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago - the intimate, personal story of a pregnant young girl set against a backdrop of political tension and unrest.

Geoffrey Hughes leads the cast as the Angel Gabriel directing events as they unfold live in Liverpool city centre. Cathy Tyson stars as Herodia and there will be appearances from a host of other Liverpool celebrities including Paul Barber and Andrew Schofield.

The hour-long production uses familiar songs from Liverpool’s great pop legacy to bring the story to life. Popular music from a wealth of Liverpool bands – The Beatles, The La’s, The Zutons and many more – is given a vibrant new twist and performed by characters in the drama and a live orchestra.

Liverpool Nativity has been developed by the team behind Manchester Passion and the two Flashmob operas. This major event is the springboard for Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture 2008.

Jodie McNee and Kenny Thompson are Mary and Joseph; Geoffrey Hughes is Gabriel; Cathy Tyson is Herodia; Jennifer Ellison is an angel; Paul Barber is the landlord; and Andrew Schofield plays a shepherd.

Sunday 16 December
8.00-9.00pm BBC THREE