[BBC Three TODAY - 14th April 9pm] Manchester re-enacts Crucifixion

The story of the Crucifixion is being re-enacted in Manchester on Good Friday to the accompaniment of music from the likes of Oasis and New Order.

Manchester Passion is a contemporary retelling of the last hours of Jesus's life through the city's musical output.

Actors will carry an eight-metre luminous cross through the streets to Albert Square, where the passion play will be performed.

The BBC Three event aims to attract "people that never go to church".

Crowds will be encouraged to join in with songs such as New Order's Blue Monday, Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, by The Smiths, and the Oasis anthem Wonderwall.

Primal Scream vocalist Denise Johnson plays the Virgin Mary and Tim Booth, lead singer of James, plays Judas.

Darren Morfitt, star of Dog Soldiers, plays Jesus, and Nicholas Bailey, who was Dr Antony Trueman in EastEnders, is Peter.

Among the highlights are Jesus singing Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart at the Last Supper and the Virgin Mary performing M People's Search For The Hero.

The event will be presented by actor Keith Allen, who has starred in numerous films and programmes, including Bodies and 24 Hour Party People.

The actors will perform live, accompanied by a 16-piece string orchestra and busking disciples who play guitar, cello and accordion.

The evening production has been developed by the TV classical music department behind BBC Three's Flashmob: The Opera.

Manchester Passion is live on BBC Three from 2100 BST on Good Friday and repeated on BBC Two at 2300 BST

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4908894.stm