Home grown actors play wise men

The play will be shown live from the city's William Brown Street

Merseyside actors are to take the parts of the three wise men in Liverpool's contemporary version of the Nativity.

Joe McGann, David Yip and Louis Emerick have been added to the line up for the BBC production which will take place on the city's streets.

A cast of 300 and 150 crew are involved in the event, which will be broadcast live on 16 December on BBC Three.

The modern day version of Jesus' birth, part of Capital of Culture events, also includes Liverpudlian music.

The hour-long production will use familiar songs from Liverpool's great pop legacy to bring the story to life.

Philharmonic Orchestra

Mr Emerick, best known for his role as Mick Johnson in Brookside, said: "I am delighted to be back where I belong, performing in my home city.

"Liverpool Nativity is a really innovative concept, everything from the script to the staging has been so carefully thought out.

"Not only is it a great way to see in Christmas but what a fantastic way to welcome in Liverpool's Capital of Culture year."

The play has been developed by the team behind Manchester's Passion and supported by the Liverpool Culture Company.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will also be performing on the night.