Reviews

This excellent crime drama employs a unique method of telling the tale. Most of it is in a pseudo-backwards format, where the time-line is wound backwards to a point and then played for a while before heading backwards some more. This way you get to see consequences of actions before the actions take place.

It makes for a fascinating watch, and one you have to concentrate on quite hard. I can understand why some people are marking this down because of this.

Stick with it though, and you are rewarded handsomely. I shall refrain from elaborating more as I detest spoilers of even the smallest kind.

This was a performance created by the BBC's unit that had already created the wonderful Flashmob Opera programmes which took existing opera arias, changing the words of them, and melding them into a whole story from the distinctive parts.

The Manchester Passion was broadcast live on the BBC's digital platform only channel BBC3.

The streets of central Manchester were the stage for the performance with TV cameras following the performers as they moved round the City Centre. A large crowd were present in Albert Square in front of the Town Hall where Keith Allen "hosted" the event.

The music of (mainly) Manchester provided the filling for the story using the themes and lyrics of the songs to tell the story of Jesus's betrayal, execution and resurrection.

The whole event was magnificent and at certain poignant moments, very moving. At the time varying religious groupings, both Christian and non-Christian expressed favourable opinions on the event.

I cannot understand why the BBC does not release a DVD of the event as it really deserves a much wider audience.

The BBC tried to repeat the success of the Manchester event by doing a "Liverpool Nativity", but whilst watchable, it never reached the quality of the previous one.