Police were called to a man being beaten up... only to find it was 'Jesus'!

Herne Bay Operatic Society were recording scenes for their production of Jesus Christ Superstar in Whitstable when concerned members of the public called the police as they saw a man being beaten up.

Director Cheryl Mumford said: "We were surprised when we heard police sirens and saw blue lights and wondered if there had been an accident. We then realised they were for us. The two policemen did laugh when I told them: "Don't worry, it's only Jesus."

It was, in fact, Jamie Mount, who is playing Jesus. He was being attacked for dramatic reasons by members of the Jesus Christ Superstar cast.

This rock opera, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, follows the last seven days of Christ and focuses on the struggles between Jesus and Judas, culminating in the crucifixion.

The cast were in Church Street playing fields filming background footage to be played behind the actors when performing at the Gulbenkian Theatre next week.

Cheryl said she wanted to direct Jesus Christ Superstar because it was a story with substance rather than the usual boy-meets-girl/loses girl/gets-girl-again scenario.

"It is always more interesting to take on something that is a challenge and none more so than with a famous story that means so many different things to different people," she said.

The dramatic and complex production includes the hits I Don't Know How To Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar. New young members will perform alongside long-standing members, including John McCrae, who gives a much-needed lighter moment as King Herod with dancing girls.

Jamie Mount has the enormous task of bringing Jesus to life and says the role is one of the most mentally demanding he has played.

"I feel so many different emotions throughout, a far cry from my day job as a lorry driver," he said.

Playing opposite him as Judas is Nick Bosworth, while Mary Magdalene is played by Amy Hodgson.

Jesus Christ Superstar can be seen at the Gulbenkian Theatre, Kent University, Canterbury, from Tuesday to Saturday, May 14, at 7.30pm, with matinee performances on the Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

• Tickets cost £15 and are available on 01227 769075 or at www.kent.ac.uk/gulbenkian