A CHRISTIAN charity is urging a North-East theatre not to stage a controversial musical based on TV's popular Jerry Springer Show because it mocks the faith.

Newcastle's Theatre Royal is one of 21 theatres across the country that have stepped in to save Jerry Springer - The Opera after the Arts Council England withdrew funding for a national tour in the wake of theatres dropping the production because of pressure from an organisation called Christian Voice.

The production will also visit York Grand Opera House.

The musical has won several awards and has been performed in the West End.

The Newcastle-based Christian Institute, which is unconnected to Christian Voice, failed in its attempt to get a judicial review of the BBC's decision to screen the production, but it is urging the Theatre Royal to think again.

Spokesman Mike Judge said the production depicted a Jerry Springer Show in hell, featuring Jesus and other Biblical characters.

"It is a systematic mockery of a faith in a way that is grossly offensive. If it was about any other faith, the Theatre Royal would not go near it."

Co-writer and director Stewart Lee said: "Jerry Springer - The Opera was developed on public money in public spaces and belongs to the nation, whether the nation wants it or not."

A spokesman for the theatre, which will stage the production from May 1 to 6 next year, said: "We believe it is important that the show is seen and judged for what it is - a splendid piece of musical theatre."