On Good Friday, the residents of Harpurhey in North Manchester, once described as the worst place to live in Britain, join forces with a poet, a composer and a director to see if they can produce their own medieval mystery play, based on the story of the Flood. In doing so, they uncover a deep-rooted sense of community and untapped talent and breathe 21st-century life into an ancient story of sacrifice and salvation.

In England, about 500 years ago, whole towns and villages got together once a year to put on a show. These mystery plays, or miracle plays, based on stories from the Bible, were a way of celebrating God in a God-fearing world. It was life-affirming entertainment for, and by, a whole community.

Poet Michael Symmons Roberts, composer James Atherton and director Chris Salt have 40 days to make a mystery play for today. Using only people from the local population, they cast, write, compose, rehearse and record a short film based on the story of Noah and the Ark.

Miracle On The Estate documents the production from auditions to final cut, with contributions from the Bishop of Manchester.

Good Friday 21 March
9.00-10.00am BBC ONE