THE live broadcast of the Liverpool Nativity was the most watched programme on a digital channel during its transmission, figures show.

The programme attracted a combined TV and live audience of almost 720,000 – more than its predecessor, the Manchester Passion.

The Liverpool Nativity took to the streets on Sunday night, putting the story of Mary and Joseph in a modern-day setting to the music of well known city bands, from the Beatles to the Las and the Zutons.

Crowds in their thousands flocked to William Brown Street in the winter darkness, to see the majority of the action unfold on stage performed by actors including Paul Barber, Joe McGann, Geoffrey Hughes, Cathy Tyson and Jennifer Ellison.

The action went out live in an hour-long programme on BBC Three.

Executive producer Sue Judd said: “I am thrilled by how well it went on the night.

“It was wonderful to see so many people from Liverpool supporting the Nativity. All the cast said how the crowd brought the production alive for them.

“It was incredibly moving to watch as the crowd spontaneously parted to let Mary and Joseph make their escape.”

The Liverpool Nativity was watched by 710,000 TV viewers and more than 7,000 people turned up to watch the production as it moved through the city centre.

The programme is being repeated on BBC One on December 23 at 10.45pm and on Christmas Day on BBC Three at 7pm. It stands to attract at least two million viewers in total over all three showings.

Jodie McNee, who played Mary, said participating in the production was “a once in a lifetime experience”. She added: “It was amazing, and I was really proud it was in Liverpool.”

A spokesperson for Liverpool Culture Company, who supported the production, said: “It was a great platform for the city and the talent that exists in the city, not just the established names but up and coming actors, including those who played Mary and Joseph.

“It was also great as a precursor to the Capital of Culture, as it was just the type of event that it is all about. On the back of things like the Royal Variety Performance and the Turner Prize and the opening concerts on January 11 and 12.

“It shows that the city can achieve. The Philharmonic was there, community choirs , and the people of Liverpool turned out in their thousands.”

FOR more pictures from the nativity visit www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk

vickyanderson