Cathedral protest over Jerry cast

A church group protests against Jerry Springer - the Opera

Parishioners from an Essex church are to protest against cast members of the controversial show Jerry Springer - The Opera singing at Chelmsford Cathedral.

The cast members are taking part in a concert to raise money for victims of the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.

A group from Dagenham Parish Church plan to hold a protest outside the cathedral staging Sunday's concert.

Clergy at the Essex cathedral assured concert-goers that the cast would sing appropriate songs.

Reverend Chris Newlands, chaplain to the Bishop of Chelmsford, says he sees no reason why the cast members should not attend.

Tsunami fundraising

The church groups said that the stage show was blasphemous and they were upset when it was screened on BBC2.

Other stars from West End musicals, as well as singers from the Royal Opera House are to appear at the concert, entitled A New World, to raise funds for the tsunami appeal.

It will take place on Sunday 23 January at 1945 GMT, and will feature some well-known songs from the shows.

Stars include David Bedella, winner of the Olivier award for best actor in a musical in 2004, and fellow prize-winner Ben Lake.

The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev John Gladwin, chairman of Christian Aid, is due to attend the concert.