TV
BBC Three are planning a modern, Manchester-based makeover for the Passion of the Christ this Easter.
The channel will put on a live procession through the city's streets on Good Friday, featuring local bands playing Passion roles and covering modern Manc pop songs.
Planned performances include Jesus and Pontius Pilate duetting on Oasis' Wonderwall and Judas performing Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now by the Smiths.
A procession of locals will carry a cross through the streets before meeting up with Jesus and his disciples in central Albert Square, where the trial and crucifixion scene will take place.
A BBC Three spokesman said churches in the area had been welcoming and helpful. "They have been looking for ways in which they can get involved," he commented. "I think they recognise that it can bring a new audience to this age-old story."
Other confirmed songs include Jesus singing Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart at the Last Supper and the Virgin Mary singing M People's Search For The Hero.
The event has been developed by the team who made Flashmob: The Opera, which was also on BBC Three. They hope it will be similarly spontaneous and get the public involved.
The channel will put on a live procession through the city's streets on Good Friday, featuring local bands playing Passion roles and covering modern Manc pop songs.
Planned performances include Jesus and Pontius Pilate duetting on Oasis' Wonderwall and Judas performing Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now by the Smiths.
A procession of locals will carry a cross through the streets before meeting up with Jesus and his disciples in central Albert Square, where the trial and crucifixion scene will take place.
A BBC Three spokesman said churches in the area had been welcoming and helpful. "They have been looking for ways in which they can get involved," he commented. "I think they recognise that it can bring a new audience to this age-old story."
Other confirmed songs include Jesus singing Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart at the Last Supper and the Virgin Mary singing M People's Search For The Hero.
The event has been developed by the team who made Flashmob: The Opera, which was also on BBC Three. They hope it will be similarly spontaneous and get the public involved.
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