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.

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.

The 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.

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.