Comics set for nativity rock opera

Some of Britain’s top new comic talents are to take part in a rock opera version of the nativity.

Provisionally titled AD/BC, the comedy musical is scheduled to go out on BBC3 this Christmas.

Little Britain’s Matt Lucas is to play God, while Nighty Night’s Julia Davis, pictured, plays the innkeeper. The Boosh’s Julian Barrat also appears, as Tony Iscarriot.

The BBC3 Christmas line-up, announced today, also includes festive specials of Little Britain,  The Smoking Room and Angry Kid and a new series from Armando Iannucci 2004: The Stupid Version.

Meanwhile, BBC1 will broadcast the first new episodes of The Vicar Of Dibley for five years, after Richard Curtis wrote two new episodes of the award-winning Dawn French comedy.

Jana Bennett, Director of Television, said: "It will put the cream on your Christmas pudding."

There are also Christmas specials of Absolutely Fabulous, My Family, The Big Impression and My Dad's The Prime Minister; while on BBC2, Rob Brydon returns to examine celebrity relationships with new episodes of The Keith Barret Show.

Published: 24 Nov 2004