A VISIT to the theatre is generally regarded as a fairly sedate, respectable pastime. But yesterday more than 500 Christians descended on St George's Plateau to make their feelings about one touring production coming to the city very clear.
Religious groups in the region were protesting in the hope of deterring people from buying tickets to watch the controversial Jerry Springer: The Opera when it opens in June.
The show is part of the Empire Theatre's summer season and campaigners plan to stage a series of demonstrations over the next two months and throughout its run.
They are outraged by the content of the production which features Jesus as a homosexual and describes Mary as being "raped by an angel, raped by God", not to mention the use of the f-word 300 times.
Dave Allen, from Merseyside Christians Against Jerry Springer, said: "We regard this production as disgraceful, disgusting and dirty.
"We do not think any decent-minded person would want to watch this show.
"It very clearly demeans our Lord Jesus Christ by depicting him as a baby in a nappy and makes God out to be a bumbling fool. There is no doubt about it, we will be raising our voice very strongly over the next few weeks to show our disgust."
The show has been contentious since it was aired on television last January when it drew 63,000 complaints.
In it, Jesus says he is a "little bit gay" and is fondled by Eve, which led to the Bishop of Manchester adding his voice to its critics.
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