CHRISTIAN groups last night vowed to ban a controversial "blasphemous" opera from being staged in Liverpool. The Daily Post can reveal that Jerry Springer: the Opera, which uses the f-word 300 times, has been scheduled to appear at the city's Empire theatre. It drew 63,000 complaints when it was aired on television in January and is considered deeply offensive as it features Jesus as a homosexual, and describes Mary as being "raped by an angel, raped by God". Christians in Liverpool say they will launch demonstrations against the musical in a bid to stop anyone watching it when it comes to the city next June. Alan Chester, of Christian Voice, who is spearheading the demonstrations, said watching the opera made him feel physically ill. He said: "It did have a physical effect on me and I had to watch it in parts because to see it the whole way through would have made me sick. We pray to God in the name of Jesus and ask for blessings for our city, but why should He when this is allowed and He is held up to foul, mocking ridicule in the name of so-called entertainment." Mr Chester said that, although he would not be advocating any form of violence, he would try his hardest to persuade people not to see what he considers to be a deeply offensive play. In the play, Jesus says he is a "little bit gay" and is fondled by Eve, which led the Bishop of Manchester adding his voice to its critics. The opera is based on the American talk show host Jerry Springer and starts its regional tour in January. During the play, the talk show host ends up in Hell where the divine characters are depicted as no better than the guests on the down-market TV programme. Catholic campaigner Kay Kelly said she had already telephoned the theatre to register her protest. She said she could not believe the play was going to be staged in Liverpool, and wanted it taken off. | 
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