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Just before Christmas 2007, I was working on a fascinating and challenging project: Liverpool Nativity.

It told the story of Mary, a pregnant teenager and Joseph, an asylum seeker.  A cast of 300 and 150 crew using 16 cameras were involved in the event, which was broadcast live on BBC Three.  It is part of the lead-up to the city's year as the European Capital of Culture.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra also performed at the event on the main stage at William Brown Street.

 

My journey was by train, and very relaxing it was too. There was a cold and draughty half hour to wait at Crewe for my connection though. Here, a train spotter in action, I think. Well, thinking about action... I dashed over the bridge when I heard and saw clouds of steam from another platform.

Instant nostalgia!

I never remember steam engines being this clean, though.

and then with a lot of hissing and puffing, it (she?) was off.
I joined the Production team as we travelled around the key points of the drama in Liverpool. This was the cruise liner terminal (!) where Joseph and Mary emerge from the ferry to some hassle from locals.

Just up the road, the splendid Liver building in the warm afternoon light. The weather was anything but warm, though.

At least it was dry. And the sunset was pretty spectacular. 

In the distance is the huge ventilation tunnel that services the Mersey road tunnel.
Here, the Director, Richard Valentine, is briefing the two principal actors Jodie Mc Nee and Kenny Thompson. Notice the considerable colour differences between this shot of the Liver building and the shot taken a few minutes previously.

Another important part of the production takes place in the St Georges Hall. I did like the architectural lighting employed here.

 Blue LED's are the order of the day this Christmas, that's for sure.

Over the road, the Empire Theatre which recently hosted the Royal Variety performance.

a ghostly passer by...

well, actually a long exposure and a camera held tightly against some street furniture.

The main stage was still being built (this being the Wednesday before the live Sunday transmission.

 

Another day, and blue skies make Liverpool look a bit like Manhattan from the ferry.

The actors are now rehearsing on site at the Seacombe ferry terminal.

Liverpool Nativity